Jacobinia (Jacobinia, Shrimp Plant, Justicia, Brazilian Plume)


Botanical Information

FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusJacobinia
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginTropical areas of the Americas.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Not recommended for human or animal consumption.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-12 - 5
Temperature (°F)10 - 40
Height0.3 - 2.6 m
Spread0.3 - 2.6 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionJacobinia is a genus of about 420 species of flowering plants.
ShapeBushy, multi-stemmed and upright.
PropagationSoftwood cuttings.
CultivationJacobinia have a “no fuss” nature, taking both sun and shade, and are not fussy about conditions. Will also attract butterflies.
PestsNematodes and spider mites. Caterpillars can be a problem.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves can grow to 15 cm long. The stems appear from the centre of the plant and rise straight up.
Flower DescriptionCommon name "shrimp plant" comes from the inflorescences, which resemble a shrimp in some species.
Colour DescriptionFoliage is dark green. Flowers come in a variety of bright colours, including, white, red, orange, yellow, pink and purple.

Photographs