Shrimp Plant

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-5 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: reddish-pink or salmon
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade, Partial Shade

Description:

The Shrimp Plant is a perennial shrub that's prized for its unusual and colorful bracts, which resemble the shape and color of shrimp. Native to Mexico, it's become a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens around the world.

The most striking feature of the Shrimp Plant is its long, arching flower spikes, consisting of colorful bracts that last for a long time. These bracts are typically reddish-pink or salmon-colored and surround small, tubular white flowers. The plant blooms continuously in warm climates and especially during the warmer months in cooler regions, providing a long-lasting display of color.

In addition to its attractive blooms, the Shrimp Plant has light green, lance-shaped leaves that form a bushy backdrop to the flowers. The plant's overall growth habit is somewhat sprawling, and it benefits from regular pruning to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage more prolific blooming.

Shrimp Plants are ideal for use in mixed borders, as accent plants, or in container gardens. They are particularly well-suited for tropical-themed landscapes and attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to their appeal.

These plants prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during dry periods. They are not particularly drought-tolerant and will benefit from occasional fertilization to support healthy growth and flowering.

While Shrimp Plants are relatively hardy, they can be sensitive to cold temperatures and may need protection in areas where frost is a concern. In colder climates, they can be grown as annuals or overwintered indoors.

Overall, the Shrimp Plant is valued for its unique and showy bracts, continuous flowering, and ease of care. Its ability to add a tropical flair and vibrant color to the garden makes it a favorite among gardeners looking for eye-catching and unusual plants.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Shrimp Plant

Planting Guide:

• Location: Partial shade to full sun (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Shrimp Plant is a bushy, self-supporting shrub that produces unique tubular blooms resembling shrimp

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Shrimp Plant is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-3 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks