Beginning of Autumn in N.E. Downunder - first bloom on the Justicia brandegeana

Stunning shot, it looks like an insect.

Hadn't thought of it, but it sure does now that you mention it!

Bernieh:

Yes, very nice shot!

This plant is so widely planted in CA. It grows so fast and tolerates neglect very well.

It's my first every, Andy. It was given to me as a tiny little cutting and has done very well. I just love the colours on it.

Bernieh:

Yes, this one has very nice colors...it's commonly called shrimp plant here. There's also a common yellow variety called Justicia brandegeana 'Yellow Queen'. I like this one, also.

This is my very first Shrimp Plant, although the common yellow you talk about is seen in many gardens here. I've just never had one before. I can't wait to see this one in the ground and flourishing.

Are we talking about the same yellow plant...or are you thinking of Pachystachys lutea?

The one I'm talking about is Justica brandegeana 'Yellow Queen'.

Here's a photo from my friend's famous nursery in northern San Diego County:

http://www.kartuz.com/p/51894/Justicia+brandegeana+Yellow+Queen.html

Ah, I was talking about the Pachystachys. We commonly call it the Golden Shrimp Plant. But I did have a peek at the 'Yellow Queen' and it's lovely. What a great soft yellow!

I searched your friend's site for my Justicia and it looks a little like the variety called 'Mutant'!! I think mine is too pretty to be called 'Mutant'!

Bernieh:

Yes, Pachystachys lutea is commonly called Golden Shrimp here also.

Kartuz's Greenhouses has some incredible exotic tropical plants. I've been buying plants from there since 1987...even before I moved to San Diego. My friend has had his nursery for more than 50 years.