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Shandilay, also known as Lion’s Ear, is a striking tropical plant that brings height, colour and movement to any garden. Native to parts of Africa and Asia but well adapted to Caribbean climates, this tall, upright herbaceous plant can grow up to 6 to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions. It features sturdy square stems, soft, heart-shaped leaves, and showy whorls of bright orange, fuzzy, tubular flowers that resemble a lion’s mane—hence the name. These blooms appear in tiers along the stem, creating a dramatic and architectural look in landscapes, herb gardens and butterfly beds.

 

In terms of growth habit, Shandilay is a fast-growing annual or short-lived perennial, depending on your local conditions. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, quickly shooting up during the rainy season and flowering abundantly throughout the warmer months. Its bold structure and vibrant flowers make it an eye-catching backdrop or border plant, and it easily self-seeds, ensuring a return the following season with minimal effort. It also grows well in large containers for those with limited space or balcony gardens.

 

Beyond its beauty, Shandilay offers a variety of benefits. It’s beloved by pollinators, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees with its nectar-rich flowers. Traditionally, it’s been used in folk medicine across the Caribbean and Africa for respiratory relief, fever reduction and calming the nerves. The leaves and flowers are sometimes dried for use in herbal teas or poultices. In garden ecosystems, it acts as a low-maintenance soil stabiliser and can be used in companion planting to draw beneficial insects. Whether you're growing it for its therapeutic properties, its wildlife appeal or simply to enjoy its bold orange blossoms, Shandilay is a truly rewarding plant.


Common Name: Shandilay


Botanical Names:

  • Leonotis Nepetifolia
  • Leonotis Africana
  • Leonotis Kwebensis
  • Leonotis Ovata
  • Leonotis Pallida
  • Leonurus Globosus
  • Leonurus Marrubiastrum
  • Leonurus Nepetifolius
  • Phlomis Africana
  • Phlomis Nepetifolia
  • Phlomis Pallida
  • Stachys Mediterranea


Family: Lamiaceae


Other Names:

  • Chandelier Bush
  • Christmas Candlestick
  • Grantiparani
  • Klip Dagga
  • Lion's Ear
  • Lion's Ear
  • Man Piabba


Origin: Tropical Africa (Madagascar, Mauritius, Countries Spanding From Senegal To Eritrea And Ethiopia And Right Down To South Africa), Southern India


Duration: Annual / Short-Lived Perennial


Habit: Shandilay is a fast-growing tropical herb that adds height, colour and life to Caribbean gardens. This upright annual or short-lived perennial can reach 6 to 10 feet tall, with strong square stems and an open, branching form. Its leaves are soft, heart-shaped to slightly serrated, with a textured, velvety surface and a mild herbal scent. What truly sets this plant apart are its vivid orange, tubular flowers, which bloom in whorls around the stem, stacked in eye-catching tiers like floral halos. These fuzzy blossoms not only resemble a lion’s mane—hence the alternative name, ‘Lion’s Ear’,—but also attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant’s tall, architectural silhouette and vibrant colour make it a striking focal point in borders, pollinator gardens or herbal landscapes. Easy to grow and resilient in full sun, Shandilay is as visually impressive as it is beneficial.


Hardiness: Hardy

Shandilay

TT$15.00Price
Quantity
Only 5 left in stock
  • Top Diameter: 4.9375"

    Height: 4.5625"

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