Chuparosa / Chuparosa Red – Desert Horizon Nursery

Chuparosa Red

Justicia californica
Categories:
Shrubs  ·  
Desert Shrubs
Light
Full sun
Water
Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Occasional summer irrigation supports foliage and flowering; water more regularly during establishment.
Size
3-5 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A Sonoran Desert native shrub, Justicia californica produces bright red tubular flowers on arching, green stems and attracts hummingbirds.
Bloom Time
Late winter through spring; reblooms in fall
Deciduous / Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Mature Size
3-5 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Flower Color
Red-orange
Foliage Color
Gray-green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden
Garden Style
Arizona Native, Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Brittlebush, Desert globemallow, Desert marigold, Fairy duster, Foothill palo verde, Santa Rita prickly pear
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; light afternoon shade is helpful in reflected-heat locations in Phoenix.

Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Occasional summer irrigation supports foliage and flowering; water more regularly during establishment.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline desert soils. Avoid persistently wet soil.

Mature size: 3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide.

Bloom: Primarily late winter through spring, with intermittent blooms in fall and other mild periods when moisture is available.

Evergreen / deciduous: Semi-evergreen to drought-deciduous; may shed leaves during extreme heat, drought, or cold while green stems continue photosynthesis.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate warmth and occasional irrigation.