Red Justicia

Name: Red Justicia
Brand: Outdoor Dream Builders

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

💧Watering

Prefers regular water, deep-soaking every 7-10 days in summer, especially with the afternoon shade it appreciates; keep it from drying out completely.

✂️Pruning

Head back lightly after the main bloom to keep it compact and full; it responds well to shaping but does not need heavy pruning.

🌱Fertilizing

A light spring feeding supports its lush growth.

🛡️Pests

Free of significant pests.

☀️Seasonal Notes

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

🪨Soil

Well-drained soils enriched with some organic matter; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH and appreciates afternoon shade.

💧Drainage

Needs well-drained soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

From softwood cuttings or seed.

📐Spacing

3 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

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.