Overview

Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana 'Pussytoes' is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Leonotis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana 'Pussytoes' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include border, specimen plant and coastal garden.

About

Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana 'Pussytoes' is a well-branched member of the mint family cultivated for its summer–autumn flowering (July to October). It carries semi-evergreen leaves and prefers a sunny, sheltered position. Plant in free-draining chalk, loam or sand with neutral to alkaline pH. As an H2 (half-hardy) selection, give it a south- or west-facing site and winter protection where hard frosts occur.

In the garden

A cultivar of Leonotis in the Lamiaceae, Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana 'Pussytoes' keeps semi-evergreen foliage through much of the year and flowers from July to October. It has a compact, well-branched habit that suits placement where seasonal flowering is required without committing to a large shrub. Place it in full sun on well-drained soils — suitable substrates include chalk, loam or sand — and avoid waterlogged locations. The plant prefers neutral to alkaline soil and benefits from a sheltered position, ideally south- or west-facing, to reduce exposure to cold winds. Hardiness is H2 (half-hardy), so in colder districts give winter protection or grow in containers that can be moved to cover if severe frost is forecast. In a UK garden it works as a structural element in a sunny border, as a single specimen where its habit can be appreciated, or in coastal situations where a sheltered position is available. Because it is rated H2, plan winter care when siting it: in frost-prone beds consider shallow mulching and in exposed spots favour container culture that allows lifting before the worst weather arrives. Expect its flowering season to run from July through October.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Leonotis

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana 'Pussytoes' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Semi-evergreen

Suggested uses

Border, Specimen plant, Coastal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Leonotis ocymifolia var. raineriana 'Pussytoes'

Propagation

Seed, Greenwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Glasshouse red spider mite, Glasshouse whitefly

Disease resistance

Grey moulds under glass

Frequently asked questions