Common Name: purple shrimp plant
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Acanthaceae
Native Range: Brazil
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 0.75 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Reddish-purple
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Heavy Shade
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it is easily grown in somewhat coarse, peaty, organically-rich, well-drained soils in sun-dappled part shade to full shade. Best in full shade. Avoid direct sun which can bleach leaf color. This plant may be grown outdoors in the warmer areas of California, Texas, Florida and Hawaii. North of Zone 10, it may be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors or as a year round houseplant. Best indoor location is a northern or eastern window. Also may be grown outdoors as an annual.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Justicia scheidweileri, commonly known as purple shrimp plant, rose pine cone, Brazilian fireworks or jade magic, is a tropical evergreen perennial of the acanthus family that typically grows to a compact 10-15” tall. It is native to Brazil. It is noted for its velvety green leaves with contrasting silver veins and its upright spikes of burgundy bracts enclosing bright reddish-purple flowers which bloom throughout the year in the tropics but primarily from spring to fall in areas closer to the northern edge of its growing range. Houseplants may bloom close to year round.
Porphyrocoma lanceolata is a synonym.
Genus name honors James Justice, 18th Century Scottish horticulturist (1698-1763).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Beds and borders where winter hardy. Containers. Houseplant. Annual.