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Justicia carnea (Brazilian Plume)

March 4, 2023
Justicia
Justicia carnea (Brazilian Plume) is an upright, evergreen shrub with large, dark green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm), and showy flower plumes, 8 in. long (20 cm), densely packed with pink to crimson tubular flowers.

Justicia carnea (Brazilian Plume) is an upright, evergreen shrub with large, dark green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm), and showy flower plumes, 8 in. long (20 cm), densely packed with pink to crimson tubular flowers. Blooming from early summer to fall, the flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The lush foliage and distinctive flowers make Brazilian Plume a natural for a tropical garden. Great for use as a foundation or mass planting, it is also terrific for containers or as a houseplant.

  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, humusy, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect for Mediterranean gardens and containers.
  • Pinch out tips to promote compact plants. Cut back after flowering to 2-3 nodes from the ground to keep the plant bushy and promote new blooms.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly.
  • Native to South America

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11
Heat Zones 10
– 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Justicia
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″
– 36″
(60cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden