Pachystachys coccinea, Pachystachys spicata, Justicia coccinea, Jacobinia coccinea

The Pachystachys coccinea, also called Cardinals Guard, is an upright, many-stemmed perennial with evergreen foliage and thick, long spikes of scarlet red blooms. The inflorescence is very beautiful, with bright red flowers emerging from a green cone. The plant will flower most of the year, especially in the spring, but it is not a very profuse bloomer.

It thrives in USDA Zone 9-11. If you plan to grow Pachystachys coccinea in a pot in cold regions, the best option is to choose a large container of at least 18 inches in diameter. It should be located in a semi-shade area or in full sun during the morning and partial shade during the afternoon. Water it regularly, but make sure not to saturate the soil.

For optimal growth, you may use a slow release fertilizer like 13-13-13, which will produce a sturdier and more compact plant. Furthermore, you should also pay particular attention to pruning the plant. Trimming the stems helps to prevent the plant from becoming woody and leggy at the bottom.

Pachystachys coccinea is a great plant for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden. The bright red and crimson vinous flowers will provide a fantastic burst of color which can turn any garden into a vibrant and beautiful space.

Similar plants:

• Justicia aurea, Jacobina aurea, Jacobinia aurea (Yellow Jacobinia, Golden Plume)
• Justicia carnea, Jacobinia carnea (Brazilian Plume, Flamingo Flower)
• Justicia chrysostephana, Cyrtanthera chrysostephana, Jacobinia chrysostephana (Orange Flame Justicia)
• Justicia rizzinii, Jacobinia pauciflora (Firefly)
• Justicia spicigera, Jacobinia spicigera, Justicia sidicaro (Mexican Honeysuckle, Orange Plume Flower)
• Pachystachys lutea (Yellow Shrimp Plant, Golden Shrimp Plant, Lollipop Plant, Candle Plant)
• Dicliptera suberecta, Justicia suberecta (Hummingbird Plant, Uruguayan Firecracker Plant)
• Graptophyllum pictum, Justicia picta, Graptophyllum hortense (Caricature Plant)
• Justicia adhatoda, Adhatoda vasica (Malabar nut, Adhatoda, Vasa)
• Justicia betonica, Justicia pallidior (White Shrimp plant, Squirrel Tail, Paper Plume)