Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name
Justicia brandegeana
Plant Common Name
Shrimp-plant
General Description
The tropical character of this ever-blooming old favorite will add color and interest to any American Southern garden. Shrimp plant is an evergreen shrub that’s native to Mexico. Where hardy, it is grown as a shrub, but it can also be grown as a tender container plant.
The common name of this plant refers to its striking shrimp-like blooms. They have red and yellow or coral pink bracts (modified leaves) and a curved shape. The true flowers are white, tubular and held between the bracts. The medium green leaves are covered with soft hairs. Shrimp plants flower all year in warm climates and can be messy because they drop leaves and flowers regularly.
Plant this tropical in locations with full sun and well-drained soil. Extremes in water, wet or dry, and temperatures below 40F will cause it to lose its leaves and mild subfreezing temps kill the stems to the underground roots which will rejuvenate foliage in spring. It responds poorly to shearing, so prune by selectively heading back branches by hand. It looks best when planted in groups or masses.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Shrub
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
24"-48" / 61.0cm - 121.9cm (30)
-
Width
24"-55" / 61.0cm - 139.7cm (36)
-
Bloom Time
Indeterminate
-
Native To
Mexico
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White, Red, Light Yellow, Gold, Coral
-
Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
-
Bark Color
Green, Tan
-
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
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Cutflower, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
Sometimes
-
Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
