Justicia

( juss - TISS - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Justicia is a genus of evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs that vary widely in water and sunlight needs depending on the species, but they will all attract hummingbirds to your garden in droves! These plants are commonly called Water Willow and Shrimp Plant, though these names refer to specific species rather than the overall genus. These shrubs produce long, tubular flowers in clusters and can be used in many different landscape styles. Flowers bloom throughout the year, heaviest in summer and fall.

Justicia Species and Varietals

The genus Justicia includes over 900 species and is the largest genus in the family Acanthaceae. The genus was named for Scottish horticulturist James Justice. The best growing zones for Justicia vary by species, so refer to the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Justicia adhatoda (Malabar Nut, Adulsa, Adhatoda, Vasa, Vasaka)
This species of Justicia is known in traditional medicine circles in its native range (Asia). It is a popular ornamental garden plant because its bitter-tasting foliage is avoided by grazing goats. Flowers are white with pink markings at their throats, and bloom in dense inflorescences. They are followed by fuzzy fruits.

Justicia alpina
Endemic to Peru, these plants produce green leaves and purple to blue-purple flowers with light markings towards their throats.

Justicia aurea (Yellow Jacobinia)
These shrubs are native to Mexico and Central America, as far south as Panama. They produce large, herbaceous leaves and dense inflorescences of golden-yellow tubular flowers. Cultivar 'Yellow Jack' is a choice garden ornamental.

​Justicia brandegeeana (Beloperone guttata) (Shrimp Plant, Mexican Shrimp Plant, False Hop)
This evergreen plant derives its common name from the shape of its flowers, which look like little shrimps on the branch. It grows best in zones 12, 13, 15-17, 21-24, H1 and H2 and is native to Mexico. Gets to about 3-4 feet tall and wide. Green leaves; purplish-pink flowers with white spots are enclosed in overlapping bracts that form spikes. Blooms from spring to fall, and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. Varietals include 'Pink' (with pink bracts) and 'Variegata' (with variegated leaves). These are great for container plantings where guests can see the bracts close-up. Shaping is done by pinching to keep it compact and force more blooms. Needs well-draining soil and partial shade for bloom and leaf health.

Justicia californica (Chuparosa, California Beloperone, Hummingbird Bush)
This species is semi-evergreen or deciduous, and grows best in zones 10-14 and 18-24. It is native to the California and Colorado deserts as well as Arizona and Northern Mexico. Gets 6 feet tall and wide with grayish, arching branches and light green leaves. Clusters of bright red flowers bloom fall through spring. Needs full sun or light shade and little to moderate water. If irrigated, it will hold its leaves for a longer period.

Justicia carnea (Jacobinia carnea) (Brazilian Plume, Flamingo Flower, Jacobinia, Brazilian Plume Flower)
This evergreen shrub grows best in zones 8, 9, 13-24, H1 and H2 and is native to South America. It can grow 4-6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Medium green leaves and dense clusters of pink to crimson flowers bloom mid-summer to fall. These shrubs should be cut back in early spring to encourage strong new growth. Needs partial or full shade, nutrient-rich soil and regular to ample water.

Justicia cooleyi (Cooley's Water-Willow)
This rare species of Justicia is native to Florida, USA, and is considered to be federally endangered. It forms a perennial herbaceous plant from an underground rhizome with hairy leaves. Its main threat is habitat destruction due to human development and mining.

Justicia floribunda (Justicia rizzinii) (Brazilian Fuchsia)
This species is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It forms a dwarf shrub with downy stems and foliage, and produces spikes of nodding, tubular bicolored flowers. Blooms are yellow and shade to scarlet towards their bases. ​To 3-4 feet tall and wide; grows best in zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2.

Justicia gendarussa (Willow-Leaved Justicia)
This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, and forms a small, erect, branched shrub with green leaves and black-purple stems. Flowers are white to light pink and have purple to pink-reddish markings towards their throats.

Justicia pilosella (Siphonoglossa pilosella, Monechma pilosella) (Hairy Tube-Tongue, Gregg's Tube Tongue, False Honeysuckle)
This species is native to New Mexico, Texas, and east-central Mexico. It forms a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches up to 12 inches tall. Flowers are blue-purple to pink-purple. These plants are typically found growing in clearings and along the edges of forest landscapes in rocky or gravelly soils.

Justicia purpusii (Purpus' Hummingbird Flower, Chuparosa)
These shrubs produce tubular orange-red flowers that bloom from November through April in the plant's native range. It is endemic to Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Justicia spicigera (Mexican Honeysuckle, Firecracker Bush, Mototle, Moyotli, Muicle, Trompetilla, Yaxan, Ych-Kaan)
Grows best in zones 12-24, native to Mexico and Central America. Gets 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Leaves can be velvety or smooth, and they are usually light green. Flowers bloom year-round (peaking in spring and fall), and are deep orange. Needs full sun or partial shade, and little to regular water. Tea can be made by steeping the leaves of these plants.

Caring for and pruning Justicia shrubs

Justicia shrubs can be grown either in the ground or in a container. If grown in a container, use a high-quality These plants prefer full sun but can also be grown in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. These plants are fast-growing, and require regular waterings to bloom and perform well. Keep soil moist from spring through fall, and lessen waterings in wintertime when the plant is in its dormancy. Fertilize with a high phosphorus fertilizer once a month from spring through autumn. Withhold feedings in winter. These plants are not cold-hardy, and suffer damage at temperatures below around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These platns will die to the ground in frost conditions; either bring potted plants inside or provide adequate coverage to help these beauties survive the winter. Pinch to encourage a bushier habit as the plant is establishing itself. The best time to prune once established is in springtime. Prune to shape, and cut back the longest, largest branches to encourage a denser habit.

Propagation

Justicia can be propagated by using cuttings. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Justicia by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4 inch softwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Justicia shrubs are susceptible to the following issues and pests:
  • Whiteflies
  • Spider Mites
  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
For information on how to treat and prevent these problems, see the following links:
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Gallery

These shrubs will add summer and fall flowers to your landscapes.
Hummingbirds will love these shrubs.
These shrubs are great additions to natural landscapes.

Videos

How to grow Shrimp Plant.
Caring for Justicia carnea.

Resources

Justicia Carnea Care: How to Grow Brazilian Plume
Wikipedia: Justicia (plant)
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 390, Justicia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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