Accession Count: 6
Common Name:
red Justicia, Chihuahua honeysuckle
Family Name:
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name:
Justicia candicans
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Chihuahuan honeysuckle has opposite, simple leaves that are around one inch long and three-quarters of an inch wide. The leaves are a nice green color, but only for part of the year because they are deciduous shrubs. During their blooming season, the flowers are a bright beautiful red color and attract hummingbirds.
Compound:
Jus can
Geographic Origin:
Arizona, Sonora, Western Chihuahua
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
MX, SW
Natural History:
J. candicans is endemic to Arizona, Sonora, and Western Chihuahua.
Cultivation Notes:
When planting this species, the location should be very sheltered from the frost because it is very sensitive, it is only semi-hardy up to 25 ℉. Although it is a fast-growing plant and recovers quickly from stress. Supplemental watering every two or three weeks will provide a boost during the warm season, as well as full sun or partial shade. In a xeriscape landscape, this species is suitable for transition zones or mini-oasis.
Ethnobotany:
The red justicia is perfect as a hedge plant, around pools, or even as a container plant. It would be beautiful as a container plant because its bright red flowers attract hummingbirds.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Red
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Texas Press, 1993.
