Cardinal's guard

Plant Botanical Name:
Pachystachus coccinea
USBG Plant Location:
Conservatory
Conservatory Room Location:
Jungle
Sunlight:
Full sun to part shade
Plant Soil Type:
Well-drained, organically rich soil
Plant Moisture Requirements:
Prefers consistently moist soil
A broadleaf evergreen in northern South America and the West Indies, Cardinal's guard is grown as an annual in areas outside USDA Zone 10-11. This plant has scarlet red flowers and prefers full sun, although tolerates part shade, humid summers and continuous, even moisture. If grown as a houseplant, reduce watering in the winter and keep in a sunny window.