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.

Pachystachys lutea

Closely related to the genus Belperone, this decorative shrub is sometimes popularly called the Golden Shrimp Plant. It grows to around 60 cm. in height, has narrow, shiny leaves, and prominent erect floral spikes that are actually closely arranged bright yellow bracts from between which the white flowers appear over a period of time. Given full sun, the shrub flowers regularly in a garden bed and is also a useful pot plant for greenhouses in temperate countries. Propagation is by means of cuttings.