- **Type**: Evergreen shrub (in warm climates) or tender perennial (in cooler zones)

- **Height**: 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm)

- **Width**: 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm)

- **Growth Habit**: Compact, bushy, upright with arching stems

- **Foliage**:

- Dark green, oval to elliptical leaves, 1 to 3 inches long (2.5 to 7.5 cm)

- Soft texture, slightly glossy

- Evergreen in frost-free areas; may drop in cold winters

- **Flowers**:

- Showy, shrimp-like bracts in shades of pink, salmon, or reddish-orange (color varies by cultivar)

- Bracts 3 to 6 inches long (7.5 to 15 cm), tubular, with small white flowers emerging from them

- Bloom season: Spring to fall (April to November), year-round in mild climates

- Lightly fragrant, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

- **Fruit**:

- Small, inconspicuous capsules, not ornamentally significant

- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) to partial shade (4-6 hours); best flowering in sun

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, fertile; adapts to sandy or loamy soils

- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)

- **Watering**: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, drought-tolerant once established

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 9 to 11 (20°F or -6°C; may regrow from roots in Zone 9 with protection)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; not reliably deer-resistant

- **Care**:

- Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage bushiness

- Fertilize lightly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and summer

- Pinch back tips to promote branching and more blooms

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- Generally pest-free; may see spider mites or whiteflies indoors

- Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil

- **Uses**: Containers, borders, mass plantings, hanging baskets, or tropical accent

- **Growth Rate**: Moderate; grows steadily with good care

- **Special Features**:

- Named for its shrimp-shaped bracts, a unique draw in gardens

- Native to Mexico; thrives in heat and humidity

- Long bloom period adds consistent color

The Shrimp Plant’s quirky, colorful bracts and lush foliage make it a charming, low-maintenance choice for sunny to partly shaded gardens or containers, buzzing with pollinators throughout its bloom season. Let me know if you’d like more care tips or cultivar-specific details (e.g., ‘Fruit Cocktail’ or ‘Yellow Queen’)!