Pachystachys is a genus of evergreen perennials and shrub in the family Acanthaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek pachys which means thick, and stachus, stalk. Pachystachys species are grown for their flowers.
Pachystachys lutea is a subtropical, soft-stemmed evergreen shrub grown between 90-120 cm tall. This species is also known as Lollipop Plant and Golden Shrimp Plant. It bears tubular white flowers in tight, bright-yellow bracts on racemes from spring to summer. It is a popular landscape plant in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
P. coccinea (Cardinal's guard), 1.2-2 m tall and 60-100 cm wide, is an evergreen, erect, and robust shrub. It has oval and dark-green leaves. The bright red tubular flowers are borne in tight, green-bracted spikes of 15 cm long in winter.
Pachystachys needs partial shade, fertile and well-drained soil. Water potted plants during growth and moderately at other times. Prune the flowered stems in late winter to maintain a bushy habit. Propagation is by greenwood cuttings in early summer. Beware of whitefly and spider mite which can attack the plants.
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