Justicia spicigera

Mexican Honeysuckle

OVERVIEW

Justicia spicigera, otherwise known as ‘Mexican Honeysuckle’ or ‘Firecracker Bush’, is a showy evergreen shrub known for brightening dark spaces with tubular showy, fiery flowers. Native to Mexico, this decorative shrub can be used as a small hedge or along walkways. While able to withstand summer temperatures familiar to the Sonoran desert, it performs best in partial to full shade.

CHARACTERISTICS

Scientific name: Justicia spicigera

Common Name: Mexican honeysuckle, Firecracker bush

Family: Acanthaceae            

Suggested Uses: Small hedges, walkways

Height: 2-3ft

Foliage: bright, velvety green leaves

Flower: showy orange, tubular flowers

Bloom Period: mid-summer - fall

Exposure: Partial or full shade

Water Use: Moderate

Soil: Well-Draining, fertile soil

Zone: 9 - 10