Justicia acanthaceae (J. brandegeana)
Common: Shrimp plant, Rattlesnake plant, False hop
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Native to Mexico
Sunset Zone: 12, 13, 15-17, 21-24
Light: Full sun
Soil: Most soils, well drained
Water: Moderate
Provides an oasis feel in the garden; can be combined with other flowering shrubs for outstanding year-round color. Indoor or outdoor plant. Nice under canopy plant for tall growing trees. Tropical and desert effect.
Small, sprawling evergreen shrub. Grows quickly to 3ft. high, and about as wide. Medium green oval leaves, 2-3 inches long. Small white tubular flowers. Showy portion consists of overlapping copper-bronze bracts forming long spikes.
Flowers attract birds.
Plant in spring when danger of frost has passed. Cut back cold-damaged plants in late winter to rejuvenate.
Slow to establish. Sometimes spindly. Brittle and may break if hose is dragged over it, or if it is walked on.