Shrimp Plant, Red

Plant name: Shrimp Plant, Red
Scientific name: Justicia brandegeeana

Plant description:
Red Shrimp Plant is a soft-stemmed tropical perennial valued for its unique layered bracts and extended blooming habit. It forms a loose, arching shrub with slender stems and a naturally relaxed growth pattern. This plant adapts well to containers and sheltered landscape areas, offering long-lasting color and texture with minimal structural pruning.

Flower description:
Overlapping red bracts resemble the shape of a shrimp, giving the plant its common name. Small white tubular flowers emerge from the bracts, adding contrast and attracting pollinators. Blooming can occur over an extended period, especially in warm, bright conditions.

Leaf description:
Leaves are ovate, medium green, and softly textured with a slightly velvety feel. Foliage grows densely along the stems, creating a full appearance that complements the layered red bracts.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in warm climates; may lose foliage or behave as a seasonal perennial in cooler regions.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as a container or seasonal plant in colder climates.

Mature height and width:
3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, forming a rounded, lightly arching shrub.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for containers, shaded patios, mixed tropical plantings, and protected garden borders. Its distinctive bracts provide visual interest in layered designs and add color to partially shaded areas.

Native range:
Native to Mexico.

Sun exposure:
Partial sun to bright filtered light. Protection from intense midday sun helps maintain foliage quality and prevents stress.

Water requirements:
Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering supports continuous blooming, but soil should not remain overly saturated.

Pests and problems:
May occasionally attract aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites, especially in dry indoor environments. Overwatering or poor airflow can lead to leaf drop or fungal issues. Maintaining consistent care helps prevent common problems.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Handles warm temperatures well when provided with filtered light and adequate moisture. Excessive direct sun may cause fading or stress, particularly during peak heat.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to frost and prolonged cold conditions. Plants may decline when exposed to freezing temperatures and should be protected in cooler climates.

Growing tips:
Plant in rich, well-drained soil amended with organic matter to support steady growth. Light pruning encourages bushier branching and helps maintain a compact shape. Apply a balanced fertilizer during active growth to sustain flowering without promoting excessive softness in the stems. Position plants where they receive consistent light and protection from strong winds, allowing the red bracts to remain vibrant and intact throughout the growing season.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.