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Acanthaceae
Mexican Honeysuckle
Justicia spicigera
Warmth through cold seasons.
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Genus
- Justicia
- Native to
- Mexico, Central America
- Bloom season
- Fall, Winter, Spring
- Type
- evergreen shrub
- Height
- 90–150 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- well-drained; tolerates various soil types
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 8–11
- Lifespan
- perennial shrub
Did you know
- It blooms heavily in winter when almost nothing else flowers, making it invaluable for hummingbird gardens.
- Despite the name, it is not a true honeysuckle (Lonicera) — it belongs to the acanthus family.
- In Mexico, the leaves are steeped to make 'muicle' tea, a traditional remedy for anemia and blood health.
- The flowers produce a blue-purple dye that was used by Aztec scribes and painters.
- It can be propagated from almost any stem cutting stuck in moist soil — one of the easiest shrubs to share.
Color meanings
Orange
welcoming hospitality