Accession Count: 307
Common Name:
Mexican honeysuckle, firecracker Bush
Family Name:
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name:
Justicia spicigera
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The firecracker bush is very similar to the Chihuahuan honeysuckle, it has opposite, simple ovate leaves that are about two inches long and are medium green. This species keeps its green leaves all year round because it is a winter evergreen shrub, and has bright orange leaves during the blooming season which is from summer to winter.
Compound:
Jus spi
Geographic Origin:
Northeastern Mexico, South to tropical Mexcio
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
MX
Natural History:
Cultivation Notes:
The Mexican honeysuckle is deservedly a very popular desert shrub. They function best in small groupings or mixed with other flowering shrubs such as ruellias and salvias. When more summer shade and winter sun are available they bloom more in winter. When they are planted in full sun, blooms more in summer and fall. It has moderate to fast growth rate and requires very little care. Moderate watering of about once to four times a month should suffice, along with full sun or partial shade.
Ethnobotany:
This species is perfect as a container plant or in large groups of other plants. The fiery orange flowers attract hummingbirds during blooming season.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Orange
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
Walters, James E, and Balbir Backhaus. Shade and Color with Water-Conserving Plants. Timber Press, 1992.
