About
An upright, tender evergreen tropical shrub, reaching 2m in height in the right growing conditions, with lush, dark green foliage, purple on the undersides. Plumes of bright pink flowers appear in abundance from mid-summer onwards. A lush and colourful shrub for giving your garden a tropical feel.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toBrazil
Care notes
CultivationGrow in bright, indirect light in peat-free, loam-based soil. Will tolerate partial shade. Feed regularly during the growing season using a balanced fertiliser and pinch out or prune accordingly to encourage bushy growth. Protect from frost and move outdoor plants to a frost-free area in a cool and bright location. Water regularly in dry spells but avoid waterlogging. Repot container grown plants every 1 to 2 years
PruningTrim lightly in early spring, before new growth starts. Remove dead or yellowing leaves throughout the season to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Can be hard-pruned in spring for rejuvination of mature or neglected specimens. See pruning group 5 for further advice
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe cuttings in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Leaves may become contorted in very dry conditions