Justicia californica
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.