Justicia carnea

Common Name:
Brazilian Plume Flower
Flamingo Flower
Jacobinia

Description:
Justicia carnea is a lush, tropical-looking evergreen shrub grown for its bold, upright flower heads and large, richly veined foliage. It produces striking clusters of tubular blooms, most commonly in vivid pink, that rise above the foliage from the warmer months and create a dramatic display in shaded garden beds, courtyards, and decorative pots. In Melbourne, it performs best in a warm, protected position with bright filtered light or part shade, sheltered from frost and drying winds. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, and benefits from regular watering through spring and summer. While it is evergreen in mild conditions, growth may slow or become untidy in colder weather, and it can be cut back after flowering or in early spring to encourage fresh, bushy growth. Justicia carnea is ideal for adding a soft subtropical feel to the garden and is especially useful in shaded areas where colourful flowering plants can be harder to find.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5–2 m
• Width: 1–1.5 m

Aspect:

• Part Shade
• Full Shade
• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Bright pink
• Rose pink
• Occasionally white forms are available

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Bird Attracting
• Bee Attracting
• Herbaceous
• Perennial
• Suitable for Cut Flowers
• Tropical foliage interest
• Fast growing in warm conditions
• Excellent for shaded gardens
• Frost tender

Toxicity:

• Not commonly regarded as highly toxic, but as with many ornamental plants, ingestion may cause mild stomach upset in pets or humans.
• Best treated as not for consumption.

Companion Plants:

• Clivia
• Plectranthus
• Hydrangea
• Philodendron
• Alocasia
• Cordyline
• Impatiens
• Begonia
• Ferns
• Peace Lily
• Caladium