Jacobinia, also known as flamingo plant, is an upright evergreen shrub native to Brazil. It has coarse, dark green, heavily veined leaves, and produces plumes of tubular flowers in white, rose, red, orange, yellow or apricot in two to four flushes during the growing season. Although killed back by frost, plants will grow back in zones 8 and 9. Occasional pruning of older plants to a node close to the ground rejuvenates them. Otherwise, prune early in the spring to encourage branching and avoid removing flower buds that appear on new growth. The plants thrive in shady conditions and bring an abundance of color to areas where other plants can not bloom for lack of light. They can be successfully used in borders or containers and are a great addition to porches and entryways.
Type: Evergreen shrub
Outstanding Features: Flowers; shade tolerance
Form: Upright, spreading, multistemmed
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom: Clusters of tubular rose, red, orange, apricot, yellow, or white flowers in 2-4 flushes during the growing season.
Size: 3-6’ H x 2-3’ W
Light: Shade to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 8b-10
Care: Fertilize 2-3 times during the growing season; deadhead to encourage blooming
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to spider mites and nematodes but generally healthy
Propagation: Stem cuttings.
Karen Meyers