Beloperone Guttata

Perennial shrub of the Acanthaceae family, Beloperone guttata — now reclassified under the name Justicia brandegeana — is native to Mexico, where it grows in coastal areas and light undergrowth, at low altitude, in warm and relatively humid conditions.

It forms a flexible and branched bush, reaching 60 to 100 cm in height, with slightly drooping thin stems. The leaves are oval, tender green, slightly pubescent, arranged in opposite pairs along the branches. The bracts are the main ornamental feature: overlapping in hanging terminal spikes, they are coppery brown-red to salmon pink, irresistibly evoking a shrimp, which gives the plant its popular nickname "shrimp plant."

The true flowers, tubular, white and speckled with purple, discreetly peek between the bracts and often go unnoticed.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends practically all year round. In temperate climate cultivation, it blooms from spring to autumn, sometimes longer indoors or in a greenhouse.

It requires a sunny exposure, well-drained soil, regular watering in summer, and winter protection in our climates; it is willingly cultivated in pots or conservatories. A light pruning in spring promotes dense vegetation and abundant flowering.