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Acalypha reptans (Dwarf Chenille)

Dwarf Chenille, Firetail, Cat Tail, Bastard Copperleaf, Everglades Copperleaf, Strawberry Firetails, Acalypha pendula, Acalypha chamaedrifolia, Acalypha repens

Acalypha reptans, Dwarf Chenille, Firetail, Cat Tail, Acalypha pendula, Acalypha chamaedrifolia, Acalypha repens, Red Flowers
Acalypha reptans, Dwarf Chenille, Firetail, Cat Tail, Acalypha pendula, Acalypha chamaedrifolia, Acalypha repens, Red Flowers

Acalypha reptans (Dwarf Chenille) is a compact, somewhat trailing evergreen shrub noted for its unusual and eye-catching, crimson flower spikes, up to 3 in. long (7 cm). Free-flowering, the blossoms are produced sporadically throughout the year. They stand out against the foliage of dark green, ovate leaves. Wonderfully exotic, Dwarf Chenille thrives in hot, humid summer climates. Easy to grow, it is excellent in containers, hanging baskets, as a houseplant or seasonal annual.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 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.
  • 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 Florida and the Caribbean.

 

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 24, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Common names Cat Tail, Copperleaf
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida
Tolerance Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 24, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Common names Cat Tail, Copperleaf
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida
Tolerance Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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