Mortellaro's Nursery
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Spicy Jatropha from Mortellaros
Spicy Jatropha
Jatropha Firecracker
Jatropha integerrima
Spicy Jatropha is a tropical flowering shrub known for its vivid red to coral blooms that appear nearly year-round in warm climates. It is not a Texas native and is best suited to far South Texas (USDA Zone 10–11), where freezes are rare. In most of Central Texas (8B–9A), it should be treated as a patio or seasonal tropical plant, as temperatures below about 28°F can cause severe damage or kill it to the ground. Despite this, it was selected as a 2007 Texas Superstar.
In the Texas landscape, Spicy Jatropha thrives in full sun and performs best in well-drained soils. It tolerates a range of soil types, including slightly alkaline soils common in Central Texas, provided drainage is excellent. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant, though it flowers more consistently with regular watering during heat. It does not tolerate poor drainage or extended cold, wet conditions. Its bright blooms are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a strong accent or focal point in tropical-style plantings.
Mature plants typically reach 4–8 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, forming an open, loosely rounded shrub that can be lightly shaped if desired. Space plants 4–6 feet apart when planting as a hedge or screen. It works well as a specimen plant, informal hedge, or large container feature on patios and entryways. All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested, and the milky sap may irritate skin. For this reason, do not keep it near areas where children or deer are present. Deer typically avoid it.
In areas where freezes are possible, grow in containers so plants can be moved indoors, or provide heavy mulch and frost protection during cold snaps. If top growth is damaged, wait until spring to prune back once new growth begins.
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2007 Texas Superstar |
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Summer Bloomer |
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Container Specimen |
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Toxic to Pets & Humans |
Flower Color:Red |
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Height:4-8 ft |
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Spread:4-6 ft |
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Spacing:4-6 feet |
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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