An eye-catching member of the Acanthaceae family of plants is the frost-sensitive shrub known as Brazilian red cloak (ht 2-3m). It has vibrant crimson bracts in bold spikes held above huge, glossy, veined leaves. The foliage provides a useful tropical-looking effect for the rest of the year, like some of the other members of the Acanthaceae family, such as Justicia carnea and the Rhinacanthus beesianus.
This tropical plant requires moist soil. Don’t allow it to dry out between each watering completely.