Purple shrimp plant (Justicia scheidweileri)

Overview

The Purple shrimp plant (Justicia scheidweileri) brings strikingly tropical interest to shaded garden spaces. Native to Brazil, this herbaceous perennial is prized for its compact habit and unique foliage texture, making it a favorite for adding color beneath larger trees or within shaded containers. Its relatively low maintenance requirements appeal to gardeners seeking exotic beauty without intensive upkeep.

Justicia scheidweileri is noted for its interesting combination of velvety green leaves contrasted by silver veining, topped by upright spikes of deep, reddish-purple flowers emerging from burgundy bracts. Depending on the climate, this plant provides blooms from spring through fall or nearly year-round in tropical settings.

Gardeners in temperate zones value Justicia scheidweileri as a durable houseplant or seasonal annual, while those in Zones 10-11 can enjoy it as a reliable evergreen accent. Its adaptability to deep shade is a major benefit where many other flowering plants struggle.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Acanthaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Brazil
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Reddish-purple
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The Purple shrimp plant thrives best when planted in sun-dappled sites or partial shade. It prefers organically-rich, somewhat coarse, peaty soils that offer excellent drainage. When establishing Justicia scheidweileri outdoors in its warmer native range (like parts of Florida or Hawaii), ensure the soil is well-amended to prevent compaction. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight at all costs, as exposure will quickly bleach the rich green leaf color.

Watering should be consistent; maintain medium moisture levels, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially if grown in containers. Fertilization is generally light, as heavy feeding can sometimes encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. This plant generally requires low maintenance.

For gardeners in areas colder than USDA Zone 10, plan to treat Justicia scheidweileri as an annual, or transition it indoors before the first frost. When grown as a houseplant, position it near a north or east-facing window for the preferred bright, indirect light. Indoor specimens may bloom nearly year-round if conditions are optimal.

Landscape Uses

The versatility of the Purple shrimp plant makes it useful across several landscape applications. Where winter hardy (Zones 10-11), it excels planted en masse in beds and borders, providing low-level evergreen color in shaded areas. It functions well as a mass groundcover or an edging accent plant due to its compact, uniform height of under 1.5 feet.

Containers are an excellent home for Justicia scheidweileri, especially on shaded porches or patios where its vibrant bracts and textured foliage offer year-round appeal. It pairs beautifully with other shade-loving tropicals like ferns or caladiums, whose bold patterns contrast nicely with the subtle veining of the shrimp plant.

North of Zone 10, its role shifts primarily to a memorable outdoor annual during the summer months or as a reliable, shade-tolerant houseplant throughout the winter. Its need for consistent moisture and shade compatibility must be factored into any companion planting design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

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 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.

Tolerances

• Heavy Shade

Potential Problems

Justicia scheidweileri generally boasts an excellent pest and disease resistance profile, often experiencing “No serious insect or disease problems.” This low incidence of pest issues contributes significantly to its low-maintenance rating. Gardeners should remain vigilant primarily against overwatering, which can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils. Ensure planting areas meet the requirement for well-drained conditions to prevent fungal issues associated with standing moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Purple shrimp plant suitable for?

The Purple shrimp plant is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 11, though it can be enjoyed as a container plant or annual elsewhere.

How large does Justicia scheidweileri grow?

This species typically matures to a compact height and spread ranging between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall and wide.

What sun exposure does Justicia scheidweileri need?

Justicia scheidweileri prefers part shade to full shade; direct sun should be avoided as it can cause leaf bleaching.

When does Purple shrimp plant bloom?

It is generally considered a seasonal bloomer, producing its characteristic reddish-purple flowers primarily from spring through fall in most areas outside the deep tropics.

Conclusion

The Justicia scheidweileri, or Purple shrimp plant, offers substantial visual rewards—textured foliage and exotic blooms—for minimal gardener effort, especially in shaded environments. Its low-maintenance nature and tolerance for deep shade make it a fantastic inclusion for tropicalizing sheltered borders. Before planting, confirm that your microclimate falls within USDA Zones 10-11 or prepare to grow this beauty indoors during winter.

Companion Planting

When designing a shaded garden border for Justicia scheidweileri, focus on plants that share its preference for moisture and shade but offer textural contrast. Consider pairing the Purple shrimp plant with broad-leafed Hostas or ferns to highlight the fine texture of its own foliage and silver veining. In containers, try combining it with deep green foliage plants that remain reliably upright, allowing the slightly cascading nature of the Justicia to soften the edges.

Container Growing

Growing Justicia scheidweileri in pots is ideal for moving it indoors before temperatures drop below freezing. Use a well-draining potting mix amended with peat moss, mimicking its preference for organically rich, somewhat coarse soil. Ensure containers have ample drainage holes, as consistently wet feet are the primary threat to the health of this tropical perennial. Monitor indoor humidity levels during winter for best flowering performance.