Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
$4.00
Mature Plant Size: 2-4’x3-5′
Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a tough, easy-care native shrub prized for clusters of bright orange, tubular flowers that bloom nearly year-round and draw hummingbirds from spring through frost. Despite the common name, it isn’t a vine — it’s a rounded, 2-4 foot shrub with soft, velvety green leaves that thrives in the part-shade spots where many flowering plants struggle.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Mexican Honeysuckle transplants are grown for vigorous branching habit and heavy bloom production suited to Austin’s shaded beds and pollinator gardens.
1 in stock
Drought tolerant once established
Water once or twice a month during dry summer stretches for best bloom
Avoid overwatering; soggy soil can cause yellowing (chlorosis)
Little to no fertilizer required
Light application of low-nitrogen, organic fertilizer once a year encourages more blooms
Prune to shape in early spring after last frost
Cut back cold-damaged growth once new growth resumes
Deadheading is not necessary; blooms continuously on new growth
Generally pest- and disease-free
Deer resistant
Foliage may brown after a hard freeze but plant is root-hardy
Root-hardy in Austin winters; expect dieback to the ground after a hard freeze (below 25 F), with vigorous regrowth from the roots in spring
Often remains evergreen and blooms through mild winters
Part shade to filtered sun gives the best flower show and leaf color; full sun locations need more consistent water
One of the most reliable hummingbird plants for shaded Austin gardens
New growth emerges from the roots after winter dieback; prune away dead wood once new growth appears
Establishes quickly when planted after the last frost (mid-March)
Peak bloom season; water during extended dry spells to keep flowers coming
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the heat
Continues blooming until the first frost (mid-November)
Good planting window for root establishment before winter
May die back to the ground after a hard freeze; mulch roots for extra protection
Often stays evergreen and even blooms during mild winters
Spring through fall; avoid planting during hard freezes
Ideal soil temperatures: 65-85 F
Partial shade to full sun
Best bloom and foliage color in dappled or afternoon shade; tolerates full sun with regular water
3-5 feet apart
Allows room for mature spread
Well-draining soil
Tolerates a wide range of soil types
pH 6.6-8.5 (neutral to alkaline)
Water thoroughly at transplanting
Water daily for the first 1-2 weeks to establish an extensive root system
Reduce watering gradually as roots establish
Mexican Honeysuckle is generally considered non-toxic to:
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; considered a safe choice for pet-friendly gardens.
As with any plant, monitor pets for mild digestive upset if large quantities of foliage are consumed.
