Justicia californica
Light: Full sun to light shade; tolerates reflected heat. Light afternoon shade can be beneficial in Phoenix.
Water: Low water once established; water deeply and let soil dry between irrigations. Occasional summer irrigation encourages foliage and flowering; reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline desert soils. Avoid persistently wet soil.
Mature size: Typically 3–6 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide.
Bloom: Primarily late winter through spring, with intermittent flowering in other seasons when moisture and temperatures are favorable.
Evergreen / deciduous: Semi-evergreen to drought-deciduous; may shed leaves during drought or cold while green stems continue photosynthesis.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with warmth and occasional supplemental water.