About Justicia brandegeeana Wassh. & L.B.Sm.
Justicia brandegeeana Wassh. & L.B.Sm. is a bushy evergreen shrub that reaches 100 cm (39 in) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide. Its stems and leaves are covered in soft downy fuzz. Leaves are variegated, and typically grow in clusters along branches. Increased sun exposure causes the amount of creamy white speckling on leaves to increase, while less sun leads to less creamy white coloration. Flowers grow from bracts that form on stems; these bracts start out white, and become pale pink to deep salmon with more sun exposure. In most cases, chains of bracts continue growing until they fall off, so these chains can range from a few centimetres to almost 30 cm (1 ft) long. Flowers emerge from the bracts; they are usually long, thin, and white, with maroon-speckled throats. Once blooming begins, it continues for months, stops for a short period, then resumes blooming. Flowers attract both hummingbirds and butterflies, and pollination is most often done by hummingbirds. This species belongs to the family Acanthaceae, which is part of the major group of flowering plants called Angiosperms. It is classified in the genus Justicia, which is part of Acanthaceae and contains roughly 600 species. Research on phytochemical components of numerous Justicia species has found that these species have antitumor, antiviral, and antidiabetic activity. Until recently, J. brandegeeana was not a subject of this type of phytochemical research. In tropical regions, the shrimp plant (as it is commonly known) grows well in shade. It prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil, but it is generally low maintenance and drought tolerant. The species does not tolerate temperatures below 7 °C (45 °F), so in cooler temperate climates it is usually grown under glass. It makes an excellent potted houseplant for these areas because it can tolerate low light and some degree of neglect, and it does not require fertilization. Unpruned, the plant usually has a long, spindly shape. Regular trimming encourages a bushy habit that does not need extra support. If branches are allowed to grow long, they cannot support their own weight and will sag toward the ground. Many cultivars are available with different colored flower bracts, including yellow, pink, and dark brick-red. This plant can be propagated from stem cuttings, and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Without regular trimming, Justicia brandegeeana can become a messy shrub, and unpruned plants can grow over 24 inches tall. To maintain its shape and keep it at a desirable size, it needs annual trimming. This shrub has an expected lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
