How to Grow and Care for Water-willows

This evergreen shrub comes from the understory of tropical forests in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. The shrimp plant is a popular, hardy landscaping choice that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. One look at the distinctive bracts at the tips of its stems will tell you exactly how this plant got its common name.

Brazilian-plume (Justicia carnea) is a shrub species grows best in the shade, but can still grow in sunlight. Brazilian-plume is often commonly called the “Pine-Bur Begonia” and “Flamingo Flower.” This plant is native to South Africa. It is often planted in tropical gardens because of its bright pink foliage.

Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a flowering perennial shrub that grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. Mexican honeysuckle is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Mexican honeysuckle is used to make tea, which dyes the steeping water blue.

American water-willow (Justicia americana) is a perennial aquatic plant that will grow from 30 to 91 cm above the water. Commonly found growing along streams it forms dense colonies that help to stabilize shorelines. Its leaves look like willow tree leaves. Blooms from spring to fall with white orchid-like flowers. It grows by rhizomes that provide food for fish ducks and other aquatic lifeforms as well as beavers nutria and muskrats.

Hummingbird bush (Justicia californica) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow from 61 to 213 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with bright red tubular-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and other long-beaked birds. Commonly found growing along rocky hillsides washes or sandy plains. Grows in full sun and prefers sandy well-drained soil.