About

A lax evergreen shrub to 1m in height, with ovate leaves and compact arching spikes composed of conspicuous overlapping pink bracts and small tubular white flowers borne over a long period.

About the genus

Justicia can be evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and spikes or clusters of tubular, 2-lipped flowers often with conspicuous bracts

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMexico

Care notes

CultivationGrow under glass or in a sheltered frost-free enviroment. Pinch out tips to promote compact plants. Best replaced when they become leggy
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free