Pachystachys lutea (Lollipop Flower)
Botanical Information
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Pachystachys |
| Species | lutea |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| References | Fred Donald Rauch, P. R. (2000). Plants for Tropical Landscapes: A Gardener's Guide. Hawaii Press. Universty Of Florida. (n.d.). Shrimp Flower. Retrieved from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FP/FP45200.pdf |
| Origin | Peru. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10 - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1b |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 10 - 15 |
| Temperature (°F) | 50 - 59 |
| Height | 1 m |
| Spread | 10 - 50 cm |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright, dense and bushy. |
| Landscape | Houseplant and container planting. |
| Propagation | Softwood cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Full sun. Moist and well-drained soil with a pH of acidic, alkaline and neutral. Prefers chalk, clay, sand and loam. |
| Pests | Aphids, whiteflies and spider mites may be a problem with indoor plants. Leaf drop may occur. |
| Notable Specimens | The University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada. |
| Bark/Stem Description | New growth is smooth. Older growth is woody. New stems tend to climb like vines. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Small yellow buds approximately 1 - 2 cm in length. |
| Leaf Description | Medium-sized, simple, oval-shaped leaves with venation that are 5 - 10 cm long. |
| Flower Description | Bright 'shrimp tail'-shaped flowers with small petals. |
| Colour Description | Deep green foliage. Pale yellow buds. Deep golden-yellow blooms with white petals. |
Photographs
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