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Pachystachys lutea

Image of Pachystachys lutea

James H. Schutte

Family

Acanthaceae

Botanical Name

Pachystachys lutea

Plant Common Name

Lollipop Plant, Yellow Candles, Yellow Shrimp Plant

General Description

Yellow candles is a tender tropical shrub with intriguing yellow and white flowers. This plant, native from Costa Rica to Peru, has pointy oval leaves that are pleasing green. From the tips of branches, a yellow "candle" or bract appears, from which white tubular flowers emerge. These flowers attract hummingbirds.

Place yellow candles in a moist, well draining soil that is fertile and not alkaline. Although it can grow in full sun, its leaves look much nicer if placed in a partially shaded garden bed, especially in hot tropical regions. It resents drought and readily wilts if roots are dry. This plant can be used as a fast growing annual in colder climates.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 10

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

  • Native To

    Central America, South America

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds

  • Self-Sowing

    No