Botanical Name: Acalypha wilkesiana
Common Name: Copper leaf
Type of Plant: dicot: perennial
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape loosely constructed, upright shrubby perennial mostly used for its bronzy or green mottled, somewhat folded leaves; can reach shrub-like proportions if planted in a protected area
Height 6 to 10'
Spread 4 to 6'
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoor shade to part shade – protect from sun and wind
Soil well-drained container mix, or well-amended soil
Hardiness tender to cold, zones 21 to 23
 
Morphology:
Leaves simple, ovate, altenately arranged with coarsely crenate margins; medium green color often mottled or striped with orange or red pigment
Flowers spikes of female flowers toward the branch tips, male flowers in small hanging strings close to the base of the plant; inconspicuous
Fruit tiny capsule
 
Propagation:
stem cuttings during warm months
 
Usage:
container plant or tropical filler used for brightly colored foliage; sometimes used as an annual plant substituted for annual flowers; used extensively in Hawaii and other tropical climate areas
 
Landscape Care:
Watering prefers regular watering, keep somewhat dry during winter months; avoid overwatering in heavy soils
Fertilizing balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the spring
Pruning head back to encourage bushiness
Pests/Diseases scale, aphids, mealybug
 
Origin: Fiji
Family: Euphorbiaceae

Notes:
 
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