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Mexican Honeysuckle

Justicia spicigera

Mexican Honeysuckle, Spicy Honeysuckle, Firecracker Plant, Orange Plume Flower

About This Plant

Sun/part shade; nearly evergreen, with velvety leaves, floppy branches and a rounded form. Orange tube flowers appear on and off throughout the year. Use it to lend evergreen bulk to background areas under trees — even under live oaks. In most winters it stays green — it’s not uncommon to see it blooming while covered with ice — though it may freeze back if temperatures drop below 22 degrees F. Although they share a name, Mexican honeysuckle is unrelated to Japanese honeysuckle.

Origins: Central America

Maintenance

Shape as needed. Cut back a little in late winter (January-February) to promote new growth. The clumps can be easily divided.

A hardy semi-evergreen perennial that performs well in dappled shade.

Min. Height: 2

Max Height: 3 feet

Min. Width: 3

Max Width: 4 feet

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