Justicia

Family: Acanthaceae

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and temperate parts of North America, this genus of perennials and small shrubs now includes many species from Jacobinia and all of the species from Beloperone. Most have strikÂingly beautiful flowers which bloom over long periods.

Species

J. adhatodoides (Synonym: Duvernoia adhatodoides) has elliptical leaves, up to 20 cm (8 in) long and fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers with purple markings on the throat. It grows to 3 m (10 ft) high and makes a good filler plant for the back of borders.

J. branÂdegeana (Synonym: Beloperone guttata), shrimp plant, is one of the most widely grown of the species. An evergreen shrub, it grows to 1 m (3 ft) and has soft, ovate leaves and pendulous flower spikes, 15 cm (6 in) long. The bracts are red or brown and the small, tubular flowers are white with red spots. The cultivar 'Yellow Queen' has light green bracts with a yellowish tinge.

J. carnea is a very handsome, evergreen shrub, growing to 3 m (10 ft), with stunning, hooded, deep pink flowers and rough, deep green leaves, purple on the undersides. There is also a white-flowered form.

J. rizzinii, to 60 cm (24 in), has drooping, scarlet flowers, tipped with yellow, and small, narrow leaves. Flowering from autumn to the end of spring, this is an evergreen species with soft foliage and stems, and in the UK is considered a particuÂlarly outstanding plant for the greenhouse or conservatory.

Cultivation

Except in subtropical and tropical climates, these plants should be grown in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory in pots of rich, soil-based potting compost. Provide good light but shade from direct strong sun, and ensure a humid atmosphere. Pinch out young plants to make them bushy; in late winter lightly prune older plants to keep them compact and shapely. Outdoors grow in well-drained yet moist soil and in partial shade. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooting them in a heated propagating case.