Justicia brandegeeana (Shrimp Plant)

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