How to Care for Jacobinia Flowers
Jacobinia (Justicia carnea ), also known as the flamingo plant and the Brazilian plume, is a herbaceous flowering shrub, native to South America. Jacobinia grows 3 to 4 feet in height and blooms in spikes of tubular flowers in a variety of colors, depending upon variety. Jacobinia is a versatile plant and is grown in containers, as foundation plantings and even trained into an espalier. Jacobinia is hardy to USDA Zones 8b to 11.
Grow your jacobinia flowers in the shade.
Water the jacobinia often enough to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Fertilize jacobinia in spring, summer and early fall with a balanced fertilizer, such as 6-6-6, at the rate suggested on the package. Always water after fertilizing.
- Jacobinia (Justicia carnea ), also known as the flamingo plant and the Brazilian plume, is a herbaceous flowering shrub, native to South America.
- Jacobinia is a versatile plant and is grown in containers, as foundation plantings and even trained into an espalier.
Remove dead flowers throughout the growing season. Pinch off the tips of new growth if you want to encourage the jacobinia to produce new branches.
Check the jacobinia periodically for spider mite infestations. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap sprays, applied at the rate suggested on the label.
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References
- Floridata: Justicia Spp.
- The Evening Independent: Lazy Garden Simply Grows
- "Taylor's Master Guide to Gardening"; Roger Holmes, Rita Buchanan; 2001
Writer Bio
Based in the American Southwest, Bridget Kelly has been writing about gardening and real estate since 2005. Her articles have appeared at Trulia.com, SFGate.com, GardenGuides.com, RE/MAX.com, MarketLeader.com, RealEstate.com, USAToday.com and in "Chicago Agent" magazine, to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing.
