Justicia brandegeeana (Shrimp Plant)
Shrimp Plant, Brazilian Shower Plant, Caterpillars, False Hop, Fountain Plant, Lobster Plant, Mexican Shrimp Plant, Shrimp Bush, Beloperone guttata Justicia guttata
Justicia brandegeeana (Shrimp Plant) is a sprawling, suckering, tropical, evergreen shrub with apple green, ovate leaves and arching spikes of white flowers enclosed in overlapping red to pink bracts. Resembling shrimps, the flower spikes are on display over a long period extending from spring to fall - about 10 months per year. The lush foliage and distinctive flowers make Shrimp Plants a natural for a tropical garden. Great for containers, as a houseplant or for close-up plantings near terraces, patios or entryways.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 12-36 in. tall and wide (30-90 cm).
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, humusy, well-drained soils. Part shade is best as it protects the flowers from bleaching out. Protect from the afternoon sun in hot climates.
- Perfect for Mediterranean gardens and containers.
- Pinch out tips to promote compact plants. Plant stems can be pruned back to shape in the spring before the plant begins to make new growth.
- Propagate by seed, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly.
- Native to Mexico
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 10
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Justicia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Joanna22, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 10
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Justicia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |