Justicia carnea

Justicia carnea

This bright hardy shrub from Brazil peaks in flowering around now though it will produce flowers at other times throughout the year. A white flowering form J.c.'Alba' is also available. It grows to about 1.5 metres and does best in a semi shaded position under average garden conditions. Flowering is often triggered by late summer rain. The only problem encountered is from snails which can strip the leaves and leave them tatty. It is hardy down to about -5C degrees.
2017 update: I have plants available from time to time, usually around late March.