How to Grow Leonurus Leonitis 'Wild Dagga' Flowering Shrub

Leonurus Leonitis, also called Lions' Tail and Wild Dagga, is a flowering perennial shrub that grows to be four to twelve feet high and that produces an array of long, thin, drooping leaves and flowers. Wild Dagga originates from South Africa, where it is smoked by the Hottentot tribe.

Lions' Tail is completely legal in the United States and most of the world, and is a popular leaf for creating tea and for using as a tobacco substitute. Many individuals describe the tea as being similar to chamomile, and say that it causes one to feel relaxed and calm, though those claims have never been verified. Lions; Tail also makes a wonderful decorative shrub that produces a pleasant aroma.

Though Leonurus Leonitis comes from a hot climate, it is a hardy plant that can be grown just about anywhere, and is highly resistant to both cold and drought. Because it is so forgiving of mistakes, Lions' Tail is a good choice for those new to growing.

Step 1

All seeds, including Wild Dagga, need to be germinated properly. To do this, place a seed or two (incase one doesn't germinate) in a starter pod or in a pot with soil. Do not cover the seeds with any soil; they require sunlight to grow. Place the pot under a lamp or (better yet) in direct sunlight, but make sure the seeds stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep them moist, but not wet, and you should see small sprouts form in 7 - 10 days.

Step 2

Once the seeds sprout, they will grow quickly and possible outgrow their pots, depending on where they were planted. Each individual plant should be carefully lifted from the soil using a spoon or similar item and transplanted to a larger plant pot (approx. 6 inches in diameter is good). Place in direct sunlight or under a lamp, and ideally keep them above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep them indoors until the stems have thickened and there are a half-dozen or so leaves on the stems.

Step 3

When the plants have grown enough, lift them carefully out of the pots and places them outside in a garden or flowerbed. Make sure the ground is tilled and the soil is loose enough that they plant will be able to root. Keep the ground damp, but do not overwater. Wild Dagga is a very hardy plant that doesn't require a lot of water. In zones 5 - 8, the plant may never need watered, or will only need watered once or twice before first frost (depending on rainfall).

Step 4

Wild Dagga will grow very quickly, and may reach heights up to twelve feet, depending on conditions. The plant will not begin to flower until the light cycle is right, which usually happens in August. To increase the amount of growth and flowering of the plant, frequently trim the tops and pluck the flowers. Each time a stem is trimmed, it will grow higher and produce additional flowering.