ACALYPHA WILKSEANA

Copper Leaf, Joseph’s Coat’

FAMILY: Acalypha

USES: Tropical effect through its bright coloured foliage. Does well as an accent shrub, hedge, foundation, background, container plant, espalier, in courtyards and as a screen.

SIZE: Grows to 2-3m tall with an equal spread. Fast growing.

LOCATION: Full sun to partial shade. Does well with some protection from direct sea wind or hot, dry desert wind which may cause leaf burn.

SOIL: Best in an organically enriched free draining fertile soil with a pH 5.6 – 7.5, acidic to neutral.

FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 20:10:5 NPK with trace elements in spring. Watch out for nutrient deficiency if soil is too alkaline.

WATER: Keep soil moist especially in the summer months. Not drought tolerant.