Red Justicia
Justicia candicans
A compact Arizona native shrub with vivid bright red flowers from fall through spring that are a favorite of hummingbirds.
Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; an Arizona native tolerant of low-desert heat, especially with some shade, and root-hardy through typical frosts.
AMWUA Notes
A higher-water native that welcomes afternoon shade; provides valuable cool-season hummingbird color in filtered-light spots.
Care Guide
Prefers regular water, deep-soaking every 7-10 days in summer, especially with the afternoon shade it appreciates; keep it from drying out completely.
Head back lightly after the main bloom to keep it compact and full; it responds well to shaping but does not need heavy pruning.
A light spring feeding supports its lush growth.
Free of significant pests.
Semi-evergreen; bright red flowers appear from fall through spring, offering cool-season hummingbird nectar, and it can thin in a hard frost.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Well-drained soils enriched with some organic matter; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH and appreciates afternoon shade.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
From softwood cuttings or seed.
3 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Placement Tips
- •Compact at about 3 ft; space 3 ft apart in a border or as a color accent.
- •One of the few shrubs here that appreciates afternoon shade and filtered light, ideal on east exposures or beneath tree canopies.
- •Low litter and small size make it a tidy pool- and patio-side plant.
- •Site out of the harshest reflected sun for best foliage and bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Red Justicia? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Red Justicia. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Red Justicia — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Red Justicia need in Phoenix?
Red Justicia is a moderate-water shrub once established. Prefers regular water, deep-soaking every 7-10 days in summer, especially with the afternoon shade it appreciates; keep it from drying out completely. A higher-water native that welcomes afternoon shade; provides valuable cool-season hummingbird color in filtered-light spots.
How big does Red Justicia get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 3 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paving.
Can you plant Red Justicia near a pool?
Yes. Red Justicia is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Red Justicia handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Red Justicia is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; an Arizona native tolerant of low-desert heat, especially with some shade, and root-hardy through typical frosts. Semi-evergreen; bright red flowers appear from fall through spring, offering cool-season hummingbird nectar, and it can thin in a hard frost.
Does Red Justicia have thorns?
No. Red Justicia is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Red Justicia safe around pets?
Red Justicia is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Red Justicia bloom in Arizona?
Red Justicia blooms in fall-spring, with bright red flowers. The bloom draws hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Red Justicia need?
Red Justicia is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Head back lightly after the main bloom to keep it compact and full; it responds well to shaping but does not need heavy pruning.
What kind of soil does Red Justicia need?
Well-drained soils enriched with some organic matter; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH and appreciates afternoon shade. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding supports its lush growth.
Is Red Justicia native to Arizona?
Yes. Red Justicia is native to Arizona and to the Southern Arizona, Western Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.