Justicia petiolaris

Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)

Common names: Blue Justicia, Kissing-leaves (E); Kiesieblaar (A);

Native to: Southern Africa

Perennial, Shrub

A small shrub bearing blue, two-lipped flowers.

Justicia petiolaris

EVERGREEN

SEMI-SHADE

SHADE

SEMI FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

.5m x .5m

FLOWERING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

FRUITING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

DESCRIPTION

This perennial herb develops into an attractive shrub suitable for a shady spot. Its leaves are soft, oval and hairy. It produces masses of small blue flowers with a white mouth with mauve stripes. The fruit is a club-shaped capsule that explodes to release the seeds.

GARDEN THEMES

Forest

FLOWERS

FOLIAGE

BUTTERFLY/MOTH HOST PLANT

Junonia hierta (Yellow Pansy)
Junonia natalica (Brown Pansy)
Junonia oenone (Blue Pansy)

PESTS & DISEASES

Although some species of pansy butterfly and moth caterpillars feed on this plant, they do not kill it. It will recover quickly.

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