Justicia petiolaris, commonly known as Blue Justicia, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to bushveld and forest margins in Eswatini and eastern and southern South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and spreads to a similar width. The plant features lance-shaped leaves and produces spikes of tubular, blue to violet flowers, which are particularly showy during the summer months. The flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Blue Justicia is valued for its vibrant flower display and its ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in gardens for border planting, as a ground cover, or in mixed shrub borders. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring moderate watering, especially during dry periods. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Blue Justicia can be propagated easily from cuttings and is a good choice for gardeners looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment.CC BY-SA 4.0