Mexican Honeysuckle

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: orange
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade

Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) - A Colorful, Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Desert Landscapes

Mexican Honeysuckle, also known as Justicia spicigera or Anisacanthus and affectionately referred to as "Firecracker," is a vibrant and hardy shrub perfect for Arizona’s desert landscapes. Known for its striking orange-red tubular flowers and ability to attract pollinators, this shrub brings a lively splash of color and ecological value to gardens, particularly in hot, arid regions.

Key Features of Mexican Honeysuckle

• Brilliant Orange-Red Blooms: The standout feature of Mexican Honeysuckle is its bright orange-red, tubular flowers. Resembling traditional honeysuckle, these blooms are known for their nectar-rich appeal, drawing in hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the season. Flowering occurs over a long period, providing sustained color and vibrancy in the garden.

• Compact and Well-Proportioned Growth: Growing to about 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, Mexican Honeysuckle has a dense, compact form that makes it suitable for both small and large landscapes. Its well-behaved growth habit provides structure and fullness to garden beds, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and desert-inspired designs.

Growing Requirements and Care

Mexican Honeysuckle thrives with minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance and water-wise gardening:

• Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun to partial shade, with more sun promoting denser growth and abundant blooms.

• Soil: Mexican Honeysuckle is adaptable to various soil types as long as they are well-draining. This characteristic makes it a great choice for Arizona’s often challenging soils.

• Watering: Once established, Mexican Honeysuckle is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental water. Occasional watering during extended dry periods will enhance flowering but should be applied sparingly.

• Pruning: Occasional pruning can help control the size and shape of the plant, promote flowering, and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning is best done after the main bloom period.

Landscape Uses

Mexican Honeysuckle is a versatile addition to many desert landscape designs:

• Pollinator Gardens: Its flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Xeriscaping and Water-Wise Gardens: Mexican Honeysuckle’s drought tolerance and resilience make it a natural fit for xeriscaping, where it can thrive with minimal water.

• Mixed Borders and Rock Gardens: Its bright color and compact form make it an eye-catching accent in mixed borders, rock gardens, and alongside other desert plants.

Summary

Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a versatile, drought-tolerant shrub that offers bold color, pollinator support, and easy care for desert and water-wise landscapes. Its tubular, orange-red flowers, compact growth, and resilience make it an ideal choice for Arizona’s hot and arid climate. Perfect for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants that attract wildlife and bring lasting beauty to outdoor spaces, Mexican Honeysuckle is a standout for sustainable and colorful garden designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Mexican Honeysuckle

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for dense, bushy growth and to allow for proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Mexican Honeysuckle is a low-growing shrub that requires no staking, producing orange-red tubular flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Mexican Honeysuckle is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks