Justicia carnea, also known as Jacobina or Brazilian Plume, is one of several hundred species of the large Justicia genus. It is a low-growing, shade-loving, tropical perennial shrub that is a great choice for bringing a long-lasting, pop of bright color to lightly shaded nooks, corners, and mixed perennial beds, or can be grown as an outdoor potted plant.
The plant matures into a low-growing, rounded shrub at around 2 feet in height, with large, pointed, prominently veined, pointed-oval leaves in medium green. As the nights begin to warm, large green, pointed, cone-shaped buds with multiple individual small sepals push up from the terminal ends of branches. Long, curved, slender petals in bright, medium, clear-pink rise out of each sepal, forming a large 3 to 4 inch plume of petals that lasts for several weeks. The bloom cycle repeats every few weeks throughout the warm season. Overall, this Justicia is a very easy-to-grow tropical perennial providing lots of rewards for little effort.
Care: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil or potting media in a lightly shaded area. Water as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid overwatering. Overly saturated plants will become spotted, weak, thin, and fail to flower as expected. Feed a good quality, slow-release, bloom-boosting fertilizer with the initial planting and annually in spring thereafter. Prune after flowering to control size, shape, and encourage new blooms, and prevent plants from becoming open and leggy.
Indoor Growing: The Brazilian Plume plant will grow indoors, but modifications such as increasing light level, temperature, and humidity are usually necessary for it to bloom indoors. It is a tropical plant, and the constant 70°F range of the average indoor growing space is quite cool for tropical plants.
Climate: Justicia carnea is a tropical plant and is recommended for growing in USDA Zones 9, 10, and 11. Protection from cold temperatures is required in all zones for the longest life, best appearance, and earliest flowering. Note that Zone recommendations are based on average temperatures and do not take factors such as humidity, rainfall, or day/night temperature variations into consideration. Every growing environment has unique challenges.
Cannot be shipped to Hawaii
Condition: One (1) Well rooted, starter size plant w/ 4 inch diameter root zone. Plant will be a minimum of about 6 to 8 inches tall and unlikely to have bloom or bud at the time of shipping. May be shipped bare, wrapped root ball w/o pot.
*Limited Conditional Warranty: Warranty is limited to guaranteeing plants will arrive safely and in good and healthy condition, and is conditioned on Seller receiving prompt notice (within 24 hours of delivery) of any problem with the condition accompanied by photo validation. No other additional, extended or long term Warranty is expressed or implied.
- Brand: Emerald Goddess Gardens
- Common Name: Jacobina or Brazilian Plume
- Bloom Form: Plume
- Mature Size: 2 feet
- Fragrance: None
- Suggested Uses: Shade Garden, Potted, Accent, Mass Plant
- House Plant Adapative: Yes but may require supplemental lighting
- Country of Origin: USA
- Limited Conditional Warranty: Healthy arrival
- Extended Long Term Warranty: None
- Manufacturer:Emerald Goddess Gardens TM
- Climate: Tropical
- Color: Pink
- Special Features: Showy bloom, easy to grow
- Species: Justicia carnea
- Sunlight: Light to moderate shade
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10, 11
- Watering: Moderate