Copper Plant
(Copperleaf)

Acalypha wilkesiana

One of the prettiest South Florida shrubs is copper plant - or "copperleaf" - with its striking, brightly-colored leaves. Each leaf is different, like a miniature masterpiece of nature.

Basic varieties come in several different colors - red, pink and white.

The red is a rusty mix of coppery red with bright pink accents.

Pink has beautiful mottled pink, green and white leaves (bright pink in more sun, pastel pink in part shade).

White is creamy white mixed with green.

Newer cultivars include smaller-leaved shrubs like 'Inferno' as well as new colors such as showy 'Tricolor' with red, green and yellow foliage.

There are also mini-leaf coppers with narrow leaves rimmed with color that have a fine-textured, weepy appearance.

If crotons are not your cup of tea, these colorful foliage plants are an outstanding substitute.

Copperleaf plants like full sun to part shade - and the more sun, the brighter the leaf color.

The white variety, however, seems to look its best in part sun to part shade.

These shrubs do flower but with narrow, dangling, fuzzy blooms (called "catkins") similar in color to the foliage so the blossoms are all but invisible.

This plant's relative, chenille plant, however, features these same catkins but they're much bigger, fuller and a rich red color.

Plant specs

A sunny spot will bring out the best color, though coppers will grow in partial shade.

These plants are tropical by nature and do best in Zone 10. They're not strong, robust shrubs, so plant in an area sheltered from wind.

Evergreen (though they can thin in winter) and moderately salt-tolerant, they're fast growers you can keep 3 to 5 feet.

Plant care

Add composted cow manure and top soil (or organic peat humus) to the hole when you plant.

Trim occasionally for shape and height (do branch trimming rather than using hedge trimmers).

Give the plant a hard pruning in spring (late March or early April) for bushier growth and to keep it the size you want.

Keep a regular watering schedule for these shrubs. If they stay too dry for too long they won't look their best and the resulting stress can invite pests.

Fertilize 3 times a year - in spring, summer and fall - with a good granular fertilizer.

Plant spacing

Plant 3 feet apart. Come out from the house 2-1/2 to 3 feet.

If you're planting along a driveway or walk, come in about 3 or 4 feet.

Copperleaf plants will work fine in a container.

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Landscape uses for copper plant

• accent by the entry
• single yard specimen
• anchor plant for a bed of smaller plants
• corner-of-the-house accent
• hedge
• lining a walk or drive
• around the outside of a poolcage or lanai
• surrounding tall palms
• along a blank wall
• lining the edge of a porch, deck or patio

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Other plants you might like: Croton, Burgundy Loropetalum

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