Justicia spicigera
(Marginally hardy. It can survive to 15 degrees, dying back to the roots and then regrowing in spring. We never got below 17 degrees last winter, but a colder winter will kill this.)
Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is one of those rare plants that will thrive in filtered shade while handling the intense heat of the summer in southern U.S. climates.
Its orange, tubular flowers range in color from dark to light orange and are 1½ inches long. Their color and tubular shape are magnets for hummingbirds. And its attractive light green foliage provides color contrast for darker greens. Long bloom time.
How to use it. This medium-size shrub is perfect to plant underneath low windows without obstructing the view. Plant below trees that provide light, filtered shade.
Common names: Mexican honeysuckle, desert honeysuckle
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees F, zone 8
Light requirement: Filtered shade is best, but can grow in full sun
Water requirement: Moderately drought-tolerant once established, but looks best when watered every week in spring through fall; water twice a month in winter
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Benefits and tolerances: Moderately drought tolerant; attracts hummingbirds
Seasonal interest: Flowers throughout the year in zones 9 and above; in Zone 8, flowers appear in spring through fall.
Pam Penick at Digging, writes about it here.
Can I use this as an annual -- plant and replace each year?
