Justicia brandegeeana a natural for a tropical garden

Justicia brandegeeana a natural for a tropical garden

Plants can easily reach 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with the 3-inch soft-green elliptic leaves and downy stems affording a lush, tropical backdrop for the flowering.

Because of plants being frost tender, those in zones nine or colder will treat this plant as a fast-growing annual.

Plants will go deciduous in zone 10 but will probably stay evergreen in zones 11 and higher.

Plants grown in pots can be brought inside or sheltered during freezing nights.

Availability Look for Justicia species starting in May at your local nursery or garden center.