Evergreen Shrub With Unique Shrimp-Like Blooms

This unique shrub is a tropical favorite that is almost guaranteed to stand out in your yard. What may appear as a flower is actually a bract. With small green leaves, the plant quickly becomes coated in creamy pink to salmon flowers that resemble shrimp!

The plant is also sometimes known as the Mexican Shrimp Plant, named after where it originates. It grows as a low-maintenance shrub that can get quite bushy and acts as an evergreen in warmer climates. It can even bloom year-round in favorable conditions.

The Shrimp Plant also does well when grown in a container and used to decorate a front porch or patio. In colder climates, the containers can be brought inside to overwinter, where you can enjoy their unique flowers indoors.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant your Shrimp Plant in an area that has full or partial sun. The soil should be well-draining but moist. Mix in compost with the soil before planting. After planting, add a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture. If planting a Shrimp Plant in a pot, choose a pot with drainage holes that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the root ball. Repot annually in early spring.

2. Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Shrimp Plants in containers will need plenty of water during the summer months and should never dry out.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize planted Shrimp Plants annually in early spring using a slow-release fertilizer designed for flowering shrubs. Fertilize container Shrimp Plants every other week during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. 

4. Pruning: Prune your Shrimp Plant annually to promote bushy growth in early spring. This will also help to encourage more vigorous blooms.