Pink Flamingo Flower, Brazilian Plume Jacobinia (LIVE STARTER PLANT) flowering SHRUB

Scaevola is flowering annual from Australia that is actually hardy in zones 9-11. It is one of the most heat-tolerant, sun-loving bloomers that we have.

 Jacobinia, also called justicia and Brazilian plume, is a beautiful tropical flowering shrub that displays gorgeous clusters of pink or white flowers that look like fireworks. It's a common, easy-to-grow plant in tropical areas like Southern Florida, and jacobinia is also gaining in popularity as a container-gardening plant in the North for its beautiful flowers and no-fuss nature.

In the tropics, jacobinia makes for an excellent foundation plant in shady spots, as well as a lovely flowering hedge. The blooms appear all summer long and are great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. In frost-free areas, this flowering shrub is an evergreen. 

In the North, Jacobinia is fun in container gardens by itself or paired with other shade-garden favorites. 

Instructions for Growing Jacobinia:

Grow jacobinia in shade or part shade; this flowering shrub doesn't to be exposed to hot afternoon sun. 

Jacobinia should be watered on a regular basis. While it can tolerate some periods of drought, it will thrive and produce more blooms if given consistent moisture. Applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil can aid in retaining moisture. If growing jacobinia in a container, frequent watering is necessary as pots tend to dry out faster than ground beds. To prevent moisture evaporation, mulching over the soil surface of the pot is recommended.

If  Flamingo Flowers are grown in a landscape, fertilizing may not be necessary as the plant obtains all necessary nutrients from the soil. However, for container-grown or flowering plants, it is recommended to use a general-purpose fertilizer throughout the summer. Always follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Because jacobinia is a relatively small shrub (it usually grows 5 feet tall or less), pruning typically isn't necessary. But if you do need to prune jacobinia, the best time is in early spring. Note: In Zone 9 and warmer parts of Zone 8, jacobinia may be treated like a perennial, letting it die to the ground after frost, mulching it well for winter, and allowing it to grow back from the roots in spring.