The shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana) is an evergreen shrub known for its unique, showy bracts. These colorful structures resemble cooked shrimp, giving the plant its common name. Native to Mexico, this ornamental plant offers a long blooming season for gardens and indoor spaces.
Exploring Shrimp Plant Varieties
The ‘Red Shrimp Plant’ (Justicia brandegeeana) is a widely recognized variety, featuring arching spikes of vibrant red to rosy-pink bracts. These bracts enclose small white, tubular flowers with maroon speckles. This bushy evergreen grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
The ‘Yellow Queen’ shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana ‘Yellow Queen’) showcases striking gold to chartreuse bracts. Its individual flowers are pure white, contrasting with the bright yellow. This variety forms a dense, multi-stemmed shrub, reaching 3 feet in height and spread.
The ‘Pink Shrimp Plant’ displays delicate pale pink bracts. This variety maintains the shrimp-like shape. It features oval green leaves and small white flowers emerging from the bracts.
‘Fruit Cocktail’ (Justicia brandegeeana ‘Fruit Cocktail’) is known for its compact growth and improved branching. This variety features golden-yellow bracts with subtle green undertones, from which pinkish-red, two-lipped flowers emerge. ‘Fruit Cocktail’ reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and width, providing a continuous display of multi-toned blooms.
Caring for Shrimp Plants
Shrimp plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, with morning sun often ideal. Protection from intense afternoon sun prevents bracts from bleaching. Adequate sunlight encourages bright bract colors and robust flowering.
These plants prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root issues. Allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings is beneficial.
Shrimp plants are sensitive to cold and are best suited for USDA Zones 9-11, as they dislike temperatures below 45-55°F (7-13°C). In cooler climates, grow them in containers and bring indoors during colder months. Indoors, provide bright, indirect light and reduced watering during winter dormancy.
Regular pruning maintains a bushy shape and promotes abundant blooms. Trim leggy stems and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth and continuous flowering. Prune after a flowering cycle or in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
Benefits of Growing Shrimp Plants
Shrimp plants have an extended blooming season, often producing flowers continuously in warm climates. This ensures a consistent display of color for many months, from spring through fall, and sometimes year-round.
Shrimp plants attract pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. Their unique flower structure and nectar provide a valuable food source. The plant’s low maintenance requirements make it a practical choice for gardeners.
Their versatile nature allows them to be incorporated into various garden settings. Shrimp plants perform well in containers, as border plants, or in mass plantings. They can also be grown as houseplants.