Justicia californica

Chuparosa

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Common Name: 

Chuparosa

Plant Type: 

Flower color: 

Foliage color: 

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5): 

Water (From 0 to 5): 

Maximum temperature: 

40°C

Minimum temperature: 

7°C

Maximum height: 

185 cm

Maximum width: 

145 cm

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Description

Justicia californica is a species of flowering shrub native to the deserts of southern California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. Its common names include chuparosa (or chiparosa, both colloquial Spanish terms for "hummingbird"), hummingbird bush, and beloperone. It is one of the northernmost distributed species of the mostly tropical genus Justicia. This is a low bush which grows in dry, hot regions in the sand or rocky terrain of the desert floor.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Blooming

Flowers are tubular and tightly clustered. J. brandegeana's flowers fare enclosed in coppery overlapping bracts forming compact drooping 3 inch spikes that lengthen to 6-7 inches. Spikes are produced mainly spring to fall, sporadically rest of year. Trim the trips of young plants to encourage bushiness.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Growth

Leaves are paired. Subtropical evergreen shrub. J. brandegeana forms a 3 by 4 foot mound. Has apple green leaves to 2.5 inches and is good in containers. Justicia grows best in partial shade.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Planting

Sow seeds in spring. Can also propagate with softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring-midsummer.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Pest

Spidew mites and whiteflies. Other problems include rust, bacterial leaf spots, and fungal leaf spots.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Interesting facts

The richly colored inflorescence inspire the common names Firecracker plant and Shrimp-plant, the latter used for species where the cluster of flowers resemples a shrimp cocktail.

Chuparosa (Justicia californica) - Soil and irrigation

Water needs vary by species. J. brandegeana needs moderate water. Does best in well-draining soil that is fertile.

Justicia californica - Chuparosa - Photos