Acalypha hispaniolae
Hispaniola cat's tail
A compact, somewhat trailing shrub with neat, ovate dark green leaves, and crimson flower spikes 5 - 7cm in length, from spring to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- W Indies
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass or indoors in a loam-less 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
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
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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