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Justicia fulvicoma
Burnt-orange flowers!
The showiest shrimp-plant that can grow outside--its flower spikes are covered with showy orange bracts holding bright orange-red flowers. This easily cultivated plant is outstanding in a hot, dry site. In light-shade, a single plant can reach 18 in. tall and spread 5' across. In full-sun it stays compact; you can hardly see the foliage for the flowers. Adapts to any soil and is drought-tolerant, although it also thrives with irrigation.
Tips: This plant is slow to establish. Care, patience and attention are required by the gardener during the first year or so in the ground. Once planted it will seem not to do much of anything for a season or two. This plant tends to put its energy into root development before top growth, which at first can be frustrating to the impatient gardener. For the patient gardener their patience will pay off in succeeding years and this tough and beautiful perennial will bring steady and lasting joy for years to come.
