Shrimp flowers, also known as Foxtail or Kirin Tuzhu, are unique and lively plants resembling small shrimp. They belong to the Aegilops and Coral genus, forming evergreen subshrubs that typically grow between 50 cm and 80 cm tall. Their stems are soft with swollen nodes, and their bases become woody. The plants grow in clusters, standing upright. The leaves are opposite, ovate or oblong, with a pointed tip, soft texture, and rough surface, all green or light green. The inflorescence is terminal and drooping, with numerous overlapping bracts that resemble shrimp. The colors range from brick red to dark red or yellow-green, serving as the main ornamental feature. The corolla is slender, extending beyond the sepals, with a white lip and purple spots at the throat of the lower lip. These flowers bloom year-round and are not easily affected by seasonal changes.
Native to Mexico, shrimp flowers are widely cultivated in gardens across China. Related species include the purple foxtail tree, which blooms in September with purple sepals, originating from Brazil, and California Foxtail, known for its bright red sepals and native to California, USA. These plants thrive in warm, humid climates with good air circulation. During summer and autumn, temperatures around 25°C are ideal, while winter and spring require temperatures between 10°C and 23°C, with humidity around 70%. In hot seasons, avoid strong winds to prevent wilting and yellowing of leaves. Keep them in cool, well-ventilated areas to reduce pest and disease risks. After autumn cools down, they can tolerate direct sunlight. Shrimp flowers have some cold resistance; in northern China, they are often grown in greenhouses, while in Nanjing, they can survive outdoors in winter. The above-ground parts may wither during winter but will regrow and bloom in the following year.
For potted plants, use fertile, sandy soil rich in humus. Propagation is usually done through cuttings, which can be performed throughout the year except during the hot and humid summer months. However, spring and autumn are the best times. After flowering in June, select healthy one-year-old branches for cutting, each with three sections. Remove the leaves from the base and insert them into loose media like sand or vermiculite. Maintain warmth and moisture, provide shade, and keep the temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Roots typically appear within two weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted and expected to bloom the following year.
Shrimp flowers tend to grow leggy and produce sparse, loose blooms if not properly pruned. To maintain a compact and low growth habit, it's important to trim them at the right time and remove the central shoot. Older plants can also be bundled for better structure. Each spring, repot the plant using a mix of sand, leaf mold, peat, and a small amount of decomposed farmyard manure. During hot seasons, provide moderate shade and keep the soil consistently moist. Apply fertilizer 4 to 5 times a year. When moving to a greenhouse in early October, ensure sufficient light and maintain a minimum temperature of 16°C. If placed in a low-temperature greenhouse, the plant will go dormant. Indoor cultivation often leads to leaf drop due to extreme temperature fluctuations and dry air. Avoid over-fertilizing and control watering to maintain slightly moist soil. Prune strongly in spring, preserve the stems, and new shoots will regrow.
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