Justicia spicigera

Firecracker Plant

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Common Name:

Firecracker Plant

Plant Type:

Flower color:

Orange

Foliage color:

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5):

3

Water (From 0 to 5):

2

Maximum temperature:

40°C

Minimum temperature:

15°C

Maximum height:

180 cm

Maximum width:

90 cm

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Description

Justicia spicigera (Mexican honeysuckle, mohintli or firecracker bush) is an evergreen shrub with tubular orange flowers. The species is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Blooming

Flowers are tubular and tightly clustered. J. brandegeana's flowers fare enclosed in coppery overlapping bracts forming compact drooping 3 inch spikes that lengthen to 6-7 inches. Spikes are produced mainly spring to fall, sporadically rest of year. Trim the trips of young plants to encourage bushiness.

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Growth

Leaves are paired. Subtropical evergreen shrub. J. brandegeana forms a 3 by 4 foot mound. Has apple green leaves to 2.5 inches and is good in containers. Justicia grows best in partial shade.

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Planting

Sow seeds in spring. Can also propagate with softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring-midsummer.

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Pest

Spidew mites and whiteflies. Other problems include rust, bacterial leaf spots, and fungal leaf spots.

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Interesting facts

The richly colored inflorescence inspire the common names Firecracker plant and Shrimp-plant, the latter used for species where the cluster of flowers resemples a shrimp cocktail.

Firecracker Plant (Justicia spicigera) - Soil and irrigation

Water needs vary by species. J. brandegeana needs moderate water. Does best in well-draining soil that is fertile.