Justicia betonica White Shrimp Plant and Purple Porter Weed, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Purple Porter Weed, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Justicia betonica, White Shrimp Plant

Here is a photo of the perennial Justicia betonica, White Shrimp Plant in my butterfly garden. The plant likes shade or morning sun. It blooms late summer on into the Spring if there are no freezes. It is easily propagated and makes a stunning filler for the garden area. I produced this one from cuttings. It is 2 years old. It bloomed the second year. I have seen hummingbirds and hawk moths nectaring from it.

The purple bloom next to it is coming from the Purple Porterweed, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. The Purple Porterweed is an exceptional nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies. It likes dappled shade and grows tall sometimes 4-6' if your soil is rich and you water well. Keep the blooms deadheaded so that the plant will continually produce more nectar for your visitors. the Stachytarpheta comes in coral, red, white and purple colors. You can easily prune both of these plants in early Spring or late summer to encourage greater bloom cycles and reduce the height.

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