Cardinal's-Guard
Pachystachys spicata
- Native to:
- Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, French Guiana, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Peru, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is.
AEngelhardt
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Acanthaceae
- Genus:
- Pachystachys
- Species:
- Pachystachys spicata
- USDA Symbol:
- PASP17
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub
- Height:
- 180 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- red, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers organic matter-rich environments