Justicia carnea
Brazilian plume
An upright, tender evergreen tropical shrub, reaching 2m in height in the right growing conditions, with lush, dark green foliage, purple on the undersides. Plumes of bright pink flowers appear in abundance from mid-summer onwards. A lush and colourful shrub for giving your garden a tropical feel
Synonyms
Jacobinia 'Carnea'Jacobinia pohliana var. velutina
see moreJacobinia magnifica var. carnea
Jacobinia carnea
Justicia pohliana
Jacobinia magnifica var. pohliana
Jacobinia magnifica var. velutina
Cyrtanthera magnifica
Jacobinia magnifica
Jacobinia pohliana
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Justicia can be evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and spikes or clusters of tubular, 2-lipped flowers often with conspicuous bracts
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in bright, indirect light in peat-free, loam-based soil. Will tolerate partial shade. Feed regularly during the growing season using a balanced fertiliser and pinch out or prune accordingly to encourage bushy growth. Protect from frost and move outdoor plants to a frost-free area in a cool and bright location. Water regularly in dry spells but avoid waterlogging. Repot container grown plants every 1 to 2 years
Propagation
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Trim lightly in early spring, before new growth starts. Remove dead or yellowing leaves throughout the season to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Can be hard-pruned in spring for rejuvination of mature or neglected specimens. See pruning group 5 for further advice
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Leaves may become contorted in very dry conditions
Get involved
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