Stunning, lightning fast, and beneficial to many plants, hummingbirds are among the most desired creatures in a gardener's yard.
As pollinators, hummingbirds play a crucial role in plant life cycles and local ecosystems. Sadly, many hummingbird species are at risk due to climate change and habitat loss, meaning it's more important than ever to provide nutritious plants for them to feast on.
One aesthetically pleasing flower that will turn your yard into a hummingbird haven is Leonotis leonurus — which commonly goes by the name lion's ear, lion's tail, or lion's claw.
Lion's ear is a fast-growing perennial shrub in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11.
With double-lipped, tubular orange flowers, lion's ear is as pleasing to the eye as it is beneficial for pollinators.
Sow these seeds in the early spring and enjoy brightly colored flowers starting in late spring and lasting into early winter. Depending on your location, the plant may freeze in the winter, but with proper care, it will come back for years to come.