Jatropha Bush

Jatropha Bush is a tropical evergreen flowering shrub known for its clusters of bright red flowers and glossy green foliage. Its upright, branching growth provides repeated blooms throughout warm weather and attracts butterflies. In Southwest Florida, it is commonly used for flowering landscape accents, butterfly gardens, tropical borders, and informal privacy screens. Botanically known as Jatropha integerrima, it is also commonly called Peregrina or Spicy Jatropha. It typically grows 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning. Its naturally upright, spreading growth can be maintained as a large flowering shrub or trained into a small tree form.​

​This shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Locations receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight generally produce more flowers and denser branching. Jatrophaadapts to Southwest Florida's sandy soils and performs well in hot, sunny landscape beds.​

​For informal flowering screens, space Jatropha Bush approximately 4–6 feet apart, depending on the starting plant size and desired coverage. Its upright growth makes it suitable behind shorter tropical plants, along spacious property borders, and in larger foundation beds. Allow enough room for its mature branches without crowding walkways or structures.​

​Newly planted Jatropha Bush requires regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants tolerate occasional dry periods and generally need supplemental irrigation during extended drought. Allow the upper soil to dry between waterings, as prolonged saturation can damage the roots.​

​Jatropha Bush produces clusters of small, bright red flowers with five petals near the ends of its branches. Flowering occurs repeatedly during warm weather and may continue through much of the year in frost-free locations. Its nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies and other visiting pollinators. Seeds and other plant parts are toxic if eaten, so consider placement around children and pets.​

​This Bush grows at a moderate to fast rate and responds well to pruning. Trimming in early spring encourages branching and helps maintain the desired height and width. Light shaping during the growing season can control uneven growth, but frequent cutting may reduce flower production. Established plants generally require little fertilizer in suitable soil. Frost can damage leaves and tender branches, although established shrubs may recover when warmer weather returns.​

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Why You'll Love It​

Bright Red Flower Clusters: Produces groups of small, five-petaled red flowers that provide concentrated color throughout the shrub.​

Attracts Butterflies: Nectar-rich flower clusters attract visiting butterflies and other pollinators to sunny landscape beds.​

Extended Flowering Season: Develops new red flowers repeatedly during warm weather, with flowering possible through much of the year in Southwest Florida.​

Tolerates Dry Conditions: Established plants handle short dry periods, making them suitable for sunny landscape beds with well-drained soil.​

Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight generally supporting stronger flowering.​

Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment. Mature shrubs tolerate occasional dry periods and benefit from supplemental irrigation during extended drought.​

Mature Size: Approximately 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.​

Best Uses: Butterfly gardens, large foundation beds, tropical landscape borders, individual flowering accents, informal privacy screens, and spacious patio garden beds.​