Justicia californica (Chuparosa)

Native to the deserts of southern California, Arizona, and northern Mexico, Justicia californica (Chuparosa) is a semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub with arching branches clad with sparse gray-green, succulent leaves. It is summer deciduous, but will retain most of its foliage if irrigated. In spring and throughout the year with ample water, a profusion of bright to deep red tubular flowers (sometimes yellow) occur in short, axillary racemes. Resembling firecrackers, the flowers, 1.5 in. long (4 cm), are rich in nectar and particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Chuparosa makes an excellent landscape plant. It is a must for hummingbird gardens and an excellent accent shrub for desert gardens. It may freeze to the ground in colder locations, but it usually grows back.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm). Ultimate size and vigor depends on the amounts of supplemental water provided.
• A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in sandy, dry, dry rocky soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for hedges, hummingbird gardens, bird gardens, bee gardens and desert gardens.
• Propagate by seed. Will self-seed in a desert garden.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Native to Arizona, California, Mexico.