Golden Candles

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Golden Candles

This Central and South American native is a close relative of the shrimp, or prawn plant (Justicia spp). It is grown mainly for its bright yellow bracts, rather than for its insignificant white flowers. Golden Candles is very climate sensitive, and is best grown in tropical areas of Australia, in a greenhouse, or as an indoor plant.

Plant details

Common name: Golden Candles, Lollipop Plant

Botanic name: Pachystachys lutea

Description: Evergreen shrub 1-1.5m (3-5′) tall. It has lance shaped, matt green leaves with prominent veins. It grows quickly to form an upright clump, with a ‘candle’ of golden yellow bracts at the tip of each stem. White, insignificant flowers appear when the bracts are fully developed. Expect candles from spring until autumn, especially in warm climates.

Best climate: Golden Candles grows well in tropical and sub tropical climates. It is also worth trying in warm seaside gardens in Sydney or Perth. Freezing winter temperatures can cause the plants to die right back, but they may recover in spring. They are also grown as indoor plants in very well lit positions.

Uses:

tropical or Asian theme garden informal hedge or border containers or tubs mass planted for large areas of colour especially in light shade indoor plant

Good points:

attractive golden bracts over many months interesting foliage fast growing adds a cheerful splash of yellow to the garden

Downside:

very frost tender only for warm parts of Australia the flowers and bracts only last a short time then drop off

Care:

Pachystachys needs frost-free conditions. It grows best in light shade, but will take sun (bright light encourages flowering). The soil should be rich and moist, but well drained. Don’t allow plants to dry out. When growing indoors, choose a well lit, warm, humid position.

Getting started:

Plants cost around $15 for a 200mm (8″) pot. They are also easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in winter.