Acalypha wilkesiana (Jacob’s Coat)

Prized for its brilliant colors and leaf patterns, Acalypha wilkesiana (Jacob’s Coat) is a fast-growing tropical evergreen shrub noted for its beautiful foliage of glossy, serrated, mostly heart-shaped leaves, 5-8 in. long (12-20 cm), in shades of bronze, copper, red, gold, and even pink. Free-flowering, insignificant greenish flowers, sometimes tinged with reddish-pink are produced sporadically throughout the year. Wonderfully exotic, Acalypha wilkesiana is a robust, bushy shrub that adds a long-lasting splash of color in the landscape. 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, as a houseplant or seasonal annual elsewhere. Potted Jacob’s Coat retains its color indoors in a bright, humid environment.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-140 cm). May grow up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm) in a warm, sheltered spot.
• 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.
• No regular pruning needed. Pinch to control size and shape and to promote bushiness.
• 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 Pacific Islands.