Tilo (Justicia pectoralis)

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
6 Reviews
Regular price $19.95
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18 in stock

Pot Size

Tilo, Piri Piri, or Willow Herb, is a perennial trailing or climbing herb with lance-shaped leaves and small white, pink, lavender, blue, or purple flowers that grow in loose groups at the ends of the branches. It is a common roadside plant in its native range of Mexico and Central and South America and is often grown as an ornamental flower in the Caribbean islands where it has naturalized. Tilo is a member of the Acanthus family (Acanthaceae).

Its dried foliage is a source of coumarin, and indigenous people brew the aromatic leaves to make a delicious tea, a tonic for digestive issues, coughs, and colds, and as a hallucinogenic preparation for ceremonies.

Tilo grows up to 2 feet high as a groundcover, and 4 feet as a shrub in rich, moist, well-draining soil. It is a resilient plant that will grow in a number of soil types, but it is susceptible to root rot if allowed to sit in soggy soil that doesn’t drain. Tilo grows best in partial or full shade and will drop its leaves in full sun. It needs frequent watering to keep the soil moist, and it can be grown in containers with a drainage hole and rich potting soil. This little plant is frost sensitive and hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11. It is pest resistant and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to its delicate flowers with a light vanilla fragrance when it blooms from November through April.

Plant Type:
Perennial Herb

Harvest Season:
Year-Round

Mature Size:
Up to 3 ft.

Soil & Moisture:
Likes rich and moist soil, does well in poor and good drainage.

Light Requirements:
Part Shade, Shade

Self-Fertile:
Yes

Growth Rate:
Fast

Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection ; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

Propagation:
Our Tilo Plant is grown from cuttings and is capable of harvesting now and throughout growing season. 

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 6 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
6 reviews
  • R
    Rene
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 months ago
    5 Stars

    It’s doing great and looking forward to seeing it get bigger.

  • C
    Charlette
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 months ago
    5 Stars

    Very Nice Specimen!

  • IA Profile picture for irisalos a.google logo
    irisalos a.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 0-1
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7 months ago
    Lot of tea i have enjoyed!!

    I have not seen any flowers yet but i have harvested many leaf for tea i have enjoyed so far and also trying to save for winter. The tea is relaxing it is more potent when used with camomile. I only use about 4 or 6 Tilo leaf per about 6 oz cup

  • DL
    DALIA L.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 years ago
    Love Sow Exotic Plants

    I'm so glad I accidently found your site, I've bought many plants from you all in awesome condition and now I cant wait to get my new Tilo plants. I'm luckily to have a family member that actually brought me some seeds from Cuba but I just couldn't say no to your Tilo plants to add to my collection.

  • MC
    Maria C.
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 years ago
    Love my Tilo plant!

    The Tilo plant arrived promptly and in excellent condition. It’s already full of new buds. I’m very happy with the purchase.

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