Pachystachys coccinea (Cardinals Guard)

Botanical names: Pachystachys coccinea, Pachystachys spicata, Justicia coccinea, Jacobinia coccinea

Common name: Cardinals Guard

Family: Acanthaceae

Origin: Northern South America, West Indies

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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If your garden needs a pop of color, Cardinals Guard is ready to take the spotlight! With its bold, scarlet-red blooms perched atop green cones, this evergreen perennial looks like it's wearing a crown. Striking Christmas-red flowers emerge from a green cone and bloom most of the year, adding vibrant color and a festive, tropical feel to any space. Its upright, multi-stemmed growth with lush foliage attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. For best results, give it morning sun and afternoon shade, and trim stems to prevent legginess and encourage fresh growth. Cardinals Guard thrives in Southern gardens and large containers, making it a perfect choice for bringing a festive flair to your outdoor space.

Similar plants: Pachystachys coccinea (Cardinals Guard)

• Justicia aurea (Yellow Jacobinia)
• Justicia carnea (Brazilian Plume)
• Justicia chrysostephana (Orange Flame Justicia)
• Justicia rizzinii (Firefly)
• Justicia spicigera (Mexican Honeysuckle)
• Pachystachys lutea (Yellow Shrimp Plant)
• Dicliptera suberecta (Hummingbird Plant)
• Graptophyllum pictum (Caricature Plant)
• Justicia adhatoda (Malabar nut)
• Justicia betonica (White Shrimp plant)