is not required. The shape is generally long and spindly. If trimmed back regularly, it can maintain a bushy habit and will not need support. If the branches are allowed to grow long, they will become unable to support themselves and sag towards the ground. Numerous cultivars are available, with different flower bract colors, including yellow, pink and dark brick-red. It can be propagated by stem cuttings. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In terms of maintenance, if Justicia brandegeeana is not kept well trimmed it can become a messy shrub. Also, if left alone can grow over 24 inches tall. It therefore requires trimming back annually if it is to hold its shape and retain a desirable size. This shrub is expected to last for 10 to 20 years. References USDA Plant Profile: Justicia brandegeeana NCBI 138115 2002-08-21 External links brandegeeana Plants described in 1969 Flora of Guatemala Flora of Honduras Flora of Mexico House plants