Justicia brandegaeana      
Shrimp plant    
Acanthaceae Family     

bloom on Justicia brandegaeana

 

Form: sprawling shrub
Seasonality: evergreen perennial
Size: 3ft high by 4ft wide; fast grower
Leaves: opposite, oval, to 3in long, medium green
Flowers: inconspicuous (small, white, tubular); the noticeable color is actually copper-colored bracts on the ends of branches; bracts overlap in 5in clusters that resemble shrimp
Fruit: seed capsule
Stems/Trunks: stems are brittle; older branches break easily
Range/Origin: Mexico
Hardiness: freezes to ground at 25°F but will recover

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• interesting flower form and color
• good container plant
• patio, atrium, pool areas
• attracts hummingbirds

Justicia brandegaeana

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun to partial shade; bracts fade in full sun
• Water: does not like to dry out
• Soil: improved garden soil with good drainage
• Propagation: seed
• Maintenance: low; pinch back when young to prevent spindliness; remove cold damaged branches in spring

 

Research by Master Gardener Barbara Schneidau

NOTES:

An old-fashioned landscape plant, not currently much in demand.
Can get rangy

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This page was first created April 20, 2005 and last modified April 20, 2005.

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