Acalypha hispida (Chenille Plant)
Red-Hot Cat's Tail, Chenille Plant, Monkey Tail, Acalypha sanderi, Acalypha sanderiana
Acalypha hispida (Chenille Plant) is a striking, erect evergreen shrub noted for its unusual and eye-catching, long tassel-like racemes, up to 2 ft. (60 cm), of bright red to deep pink flowers. Free-flowering, the blossoms are produced sporadically throughout the year. They stand out against the foliage of large, medium green, ovate leaves, 6-8 in. long (15-20 cm). Wonderfully exotic, Chenille Plant features an upright, dense and bushy habit. Thriving in hot, humid summer climates, it makes a great accent, hedge or specimen in tropical or subtropical gardens. Vigorous and easy to grow, it can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, as a houseplant or seasonal annual elsewhere.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to part shade, in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. If grown indoors, plant in a loam-less potting compost in full or filtered light.
- Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Water sparingly in winter, keeping barely moist.
- Deadhead the flower clusters before they fade completely to stimulate rebloom. Prune to produce more compact growth and more flowers.
- Generally disease free. Keep an eye our for glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Bottom heat will be required.
- Native to New Guinea, Malaysia.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 24, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 96" (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 24, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 96" (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |