Shrimp Red Plant

The Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana) is a tropical perennial known for its unique, drooping, shrimp-like bracts in red, pink, or yellow, which hide small white flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil, and is popular in gardens (zones 9–11) and containers, requiring regular pruning to stay bushy and prevent legginess. It's sensitive to frost but regrows from roots in spring in cooler climates, and can be overwintered indoors.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: Features colorful bracts (modified leaves) that look like shrimp, with small white flowers emerging from them.
• Colors: Common varieties include red, pink, and yellow (golden shrimp plant).
• Pollinators: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun is ideal).
• Soil: Rich, well-drained, and moist; amend with compost.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mulch helps retain moisture.
• Temperature: Tropical; protect from frost. Can die back in winter but usually regrows from roots in zones 9–11.