Acalypha pendula
Overview
Uses: Hanging baskets, patio containers, window boxes, tropical accent plantings, and seasonal groundcover in warm climates.
Benefits: Produces bright red, fuzzy trailing flower spikes that cascade over containers for dramatic texture and color. Fast-growing with excellent heat and humidity tolerance, making it ideal for summer displays.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (grown as an annual in colder climates)
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Tender Perennial
Growth Habit: Trailing, Spreading — cascading stems that drape over edges.
Bloom Color: Red
Mature Height: 6"–12"
Mature Width: 18"–24"
Bloom Season: Spring–Fall
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
A bold tropical accent that spills over containers with vibrant, textured color.
Acalypha pendula is prized for its soft, chenille-like red flower spikes that trail gracefully from hanging baskets and patio pots. The vivid blooms create striking contrast against glossy green foliage, delivering continuous color throughout the warm season.
Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it especially effective in containers, window boxes, and raised planters. In frost-free regions, it can also serve as a seasonal groundcover, where its trailing stems create a lush carpet of foliage and blooms.
Care
Acalypha pendula Care
Plant in full sun for the heaviest flowering, though partial shade is tolerated. In hotter climates, light afternoon shade can help reduce stress.
Grow in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Consistent moisture supports continuous blooming, but avoid prolonged soggy conditions.
Water regularly, especially during hot weather and when grown in containers.
Apply a slow release fertilizer during the growing season to encourage steady flowering.
Light trimming helps maintain a compact, full appearance and encourages fresh growth.
Container Growing Notes
This plant performs exceptionally well in hanging baskets and patio containers. Containers dry out more quickly than garden beds, so monitor soil moisture closely and water as needed.
Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is Acalypha pendula for Sale Online?
Plants are shipped in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Size may vary slightly by season. If you have specific questions before ordering, please contact us.
How Large Does Acalypha pendula Grow?
This trailing plant typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches wide, cascading farther when grown in hanging baskets.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
- Chenille Plant
- Trailing Chenille
- Red Hot Cat Tail
Is this plant suitable for hanging baskets?
Yes. Its trailing stems and vibrant red blooms make it an ideal choice for hanging baskets and elevated containers. Explore additional options within our Hanging Baskets collection.
Can this plant be grown as a perennial?
In USDA Zones 9–11, it can be grown outdoors year-round. In colder regions, it is typically treated as a seasonal plant or brought indoors before frost.
What plants pair well with Acalypha pendula?
It pairs beautifully with upright tropical foliage plants and colorful seasonal bloomers. Consider combining it with selections from our Tropical Plants collection for layered container displays.
