Justicia aurea aka Orange Flame Justicia

Justicia aurea is an evergreen shrub known as yellow jacobinia. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Its native range covers Mexico and Central America. The RHS lists Jacobinia aurea and Cyrtanthera catalpifolia as synonyms. The name aurea refers to its golden flower color. This shrub keeps its broad leaves through the year. In gardens, it reaches 4–8 feet (1.22–2.44 metres) tall. Its spread is about 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 metres).

The dark green leaves give the yellow flowers a strong backdrop. Each leaf has an oval to narrow, pointed shape. Leaves grow about 0.33–1 foot (0.10–0.30 metres) long. Flower stems rise above this foliage in summer. Upright, tube-shaped flowers form dense plumes at the stem tips. These plumes reach about 0.5–0.83 feet (0.15–0.25 metres) long. Missouri Botanical Garden gives July to August as the bloom period. The bright yellow flowers also draw hummingbirds to the plant.

Outdoors, grow this shrub in part shade rather than full sun. Give it shelter from hot sun in the afternoon. Strong sun can fade the color of its flower bracts. It grows best in moist soil rich in humus. The soil must also drain well. Its water needs are moderate, but soil moisture needs care. Both dry soil and excess water can cause leaf drop. Missouri Botanical Garden recommends watering plants from above. It also advises cutting older branches back in fall. Make each cut at a node just above ground level.

Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 9–11 for this species. Its growing notes also report winter hardiness to zone 8b. In colder places, grow it in a pot or container. Move the pot indoors for winter, such as into a sunroom. Plants grown indoors need full sun, unlike those grown outdoors. The shrub also serves as a houseplant. Its evergreen leaves provide interest beyond the summer flower season. Containers offer a way to grow it outside its hardy range.

This plant needs a moderate level of upkeep. Leaf spot is one disease to watch for. Whiteflies and spider mites can also cause trouble. Check for these pests when plants grow indoors. Watch leaf loss alongside soil moisture, since either extreme can trigger it.