Acalypha wilkesiana 'Obovata'
Jacob's coat 'Obovata'
A potentially large, evergreen shrub, normally grown as an indoor plant. The broad, almost circular leaves, 15cm in diameter, open mid-green, then become bronzy with a narrow, pale pink margin. Catkin-like clusters of tiny red flowers may appear from spring to autumn, but are not showy
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green Bronze Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Bronze Pink | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green Bronze Pink | ||
| Winter | Green Bronze Pink |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin and eye irritant, Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Acalypha can be evergreen shrubs or trees, or annuals, with simple leaves and catkin-like racemes of tiny flowers, brightly coloured in some species
- Name status
Accepted
- Plant range
- Polynesia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass or indoors in a peat-free potting compost in full or filtered light. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter, keeping barely moist. Can be grown outdoors in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade but only in warmer climes
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Bottom heat will be required
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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