Jacobinia (Justicia carnea)

Jacobinia Plant Features

Jacobinia, also called justicia and Brazilian plume, is a beautiful tropical flowering shrub that displays gorgeous clusters of pink or white flowers that look like fireworks. It's a common, easy-to-grow plant in tropical areas like Southern Florida, and jacobinia is also gaining in popularity as a container-gardening plant in the North for its beautiful flowers and no-fuss nature.

In the tropics, jacobinia makes for an excellent foundation plant in shady spots, as well as a lovely flowering hedge. The blooms appear all summer long and are great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. In frost-free areas, this flowering shrub is an evergreen. 

In the North, Jacobinia is fun in container gardens by itself or paired with other shade-garden favorites. 

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Jacobinia Growing Instructions

Grow jacobinia in shade or part shade; this flowering shrub doesn't to be exposed to hot afternoon sun. 

Water jacobinia regularly. Once established, it can handle some drought, but grows and blooms best if it receives regular moisture. A 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil can help conserve moisture. Water jacobinia frequently if you grow it in a container garden, as pots typically dry out faster than landscape beds. Mulching over the soil surface of the pot can help reduce moisture loss to evaporation, keeping jacobinia moister longer. 

If you grow this plant in your landscape, you typically don't need to fertilize jacobinia as it gets all the nutrients it needs from the soil. But if you grow jacobinia in containers -- or want it to flower more in your yard -- fertilize throughout the summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging. 

Because jacobinia is a relatively small shrub (it usually grows 5 feet tall or less), pruning typically isn't necessary. But if you do need to prune jacobinia, the best time is in early spring. Note: In Zone 9 and warmer parts of Zone 8, jacobinia may be treated like a perennial, letting it die to the ground after frost, mulching it well for winter, and allowing it to grow back from the roots in spring. 

Jacobinia is not recommended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Pink

    White

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Fragrant flowers/foliage

Complement your Jacobinia

Begonia
In container gardens, jacobinia looks lovely when accented with a skirt of colorful begonias.

Caladium
Caladium's colorful leaves are a perfect partner for the tropical look of jacobinia's flowers.

Impatiens, New Guinea
Give jacobinia a burst of color with matching or contrasting colors of New Guinea impatiens flowers.