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Mexican Honeysuckle, Orange Plume Flower
Scientific Name: Justicia spicigera Schltdl.
Synonym: Justicia ghiesbreghtiana, Jacobinia spicigera
Family: Acanthaceae

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Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 11-24 USDA: 9-10 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 24°F (-4°C), recovers if frozen to the ground in the coldest areas of its growing zone Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade, tolerates some reflected heat Origin: Mexico south to South America Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub to 3 to 5 feet tall (90-150 cm), 4 to 6 feet wide (1.2-1.8 m); ovate, pubescent leaf, up to 3 inches long (7.5 cm) Watering Needs: Little to moderate, weekly watering in Phoenix in summer for best appearance Propagation: Cuttings, layering

Cultural Practices:
Prune to prevent legginess.

Blooming Habits:
The Mexican Honeysuckle has clusters of bright orange flowers, 1.5 inches long (3.7 cm), enjoyed by the hummingbirds, borne all year around, but particularly from spring to late fall.