Anisacanthus

Acanthaceae
Deciduous, Evergreen, Shrubs

Heat loving shrubs have nectar-filled tubular flowers with two lobes above the mouth, three on the lower lip. Highly favored by hummingbirds and butterflies. Fairly drought tolerant; water deeply every 2 to 3 weeks in summer.

Anisacanthus quadrifidus wrightii

Native to southeastern Texas, northeastern Mexico. Grows to 3 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide, with dark green leaves 2 in. long and 1 in. wide. Spikes of 2-in.-long, brilliant red-orange flowers appear from early summer to autumn. Rabbits love the new shoots; protect with wire cage until a woody structure is established. For compact shape and prolific bloom, cut back by one-half to two-thirds before new spring growth commences. ‘Mexican Flame’ is a superior selection grown from cuttings. Full sun or light shade.

Anisacanthus thurberi

Native to Northern Mexico and the canyons and washes of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and New Mexico. In mild-winter areas, grows to 4 ft. tall or more and as wide, with stout branches. Looks best when treated as perennial, cut to ground before spring growth begins. Valued for spikes of 1 1/2 in. long, red flowers held above leaves that are 1 1/2 –2 in. long and 1/2 in. wide. Blooms most prolifi­cally in spring, with occasional blossoms in summer and fall.

Plants sold under this name may be Justicia spicigera.