Shrimp flowers, also known as Foxtail or Kirin Tuzhu, are unique and lively plants that resemble small shrimp in appearance. They belong to the Aegilops and Coral genus, and are evergreen subshrubs that typically grow between 50 cm and 80 cm tall. Their soft stems feature swollen nodes, with lignified bases that form dense, upright clusters. The opposite leaves are ovate or oblong, with a pointed tip, soft texture, and rough surface—all green with a light green hue. The terminal inflorescences hang down, covered with numerous overlapping bracts that look like shrimp. These bracts range in color from brick red to dark red or yellow-green, making them the main ornamental feature. The slender corolla extends beyond the sepals, with a white lip and purple spots at the throat of the lower lip. These flowers bloom year-round but are not heavy producers.
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. Another variety, California Foxtail, has bright red sepals and is native to California, USA. It thrives in warm, humid climates with good air circulation. During summer and autumn, it prefers temperatures around 25°C, while in winter and spring, it tolerates 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 the plant in a cool, well-ventilated area to reduce pests and diseases. After autumn cools down, direct sunlight becomes visible. Shrimp flowers have some cold resistance; they can be grown in pots in greenhouses throughout northern China, while in Nanjing, they can survive outdoors in winter. The above-ground parts may wither during winter, but they will regrow and bloom the following year. For potted plants, use fertile, sandy soil rich in organic matter.
Propagation is usually done through cuttings, which can be done year-round except during the hot and humid summer months. However, spring and autumn are the best times for successful rooting. After flowering in June, select vigorous one-year-old branches for cuttings. Each cutting should have three nodes, with the lower leaves removed. Insert them into a loose medium like sand or vermiculite. Maintain warmth and moisture, provide shade, and keep the temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Rooting typically occurs within two weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted and will bloom the following year.
Shrimp flowers tend to grow leggy and have sparse, loose blooms if not properly pruned. To maintain a compact and bushy shape, prune them at the right time and remove the growing tips. Old perennial varieties can also be grouped together for better growth.
Each spring, repot the plants using a mix of plain sand, leaf mold, peat soil, and a small amount of decomposed farmyard fertilizer. During hot seasons, provide moderate shade to lower temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist and apply fertilizer 4 to 5 times a year. At the start of October, when moving the plants to a high-temperature greenhouse for winter, ensure sufficient light and maintain a room temperature above 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 in winter. Avoid over-fertilizing and control watering, keeping the soil slightly moist. In spring, perform strong pruning, preserve the stems, and new shoots will emerge.
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