About

Acalypha hispaniolae is a compact shrub that tends to trail, featuring orderly, oval-shaped dark green foliage. From spring through autumn, it produces elongated flower spikes that range from 5 to 7 centimeters in length, displaying a rich crimson color.

About the genus

Acalypha comprises evergreen shrubs, trees, or annuals, characterized by their simple leaves and racemes of small flowers resembling catkins, with some species displaying vibrant colors.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants
Native to
W Indies

Care notes

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
Pruning
Pruning group 9
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Bottom heat will be required
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free