Acalypha hispida
Cats tail, Chenille plant, Red hot cat's tail, Califa, Cola de gato
Also known as Acalypha sanderi, Acalypha sanderiana
- Height × spread
- 2m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
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About this plant
This is a shrub which is often grown as an annual and features in hanging baskets. The deep rich red flowers are furry looking held in dramatic, long dangling tassels. Arched like a horses tail, and very long, they present an improbable spectacle. It has large conical leaves, dark green with pale yellow veining and fine toothy margins. This needs humus soil that is well drained but always has moisture in it. The plant needs a partly shaded site and benefits from regular feeds. It can reach 4m (13ft) in height in its East Asian homeland, but is not frost hardy, and grown in Britain and Ireland, it is likely to reach around 2m (7ft) in height with a 1m (3ft) spread. Grown as an annual it may only achieve half that.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Green, Red
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Irritant if eaten; skin/eye irritant
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Winter
Winter · Outdoors
Water moderately in winter
Water moderately.
Give a small amount of water so that the plant doesn't become flaccid (leaves lose their firmness and may droop or look lifeless), or dessicated, but do not saturate the compost or leave it standing in water.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.