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Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Tricolor’ (Copperleaf, Firedragon, Jacob's coat, Match-me-if-you-can)

Acalypha wilkesiana 'Tricolor' Photo/Illustration: Colleen Fitzpatrick



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Botanical Name: Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Tricolor’ ak-ah-LY-fah wil-kes-ee-AY-nah Common Name: Copperleaf, Firedragon, Jacob's coat, Match-me-if-you-can Genus: Acalypha
This spreading shrub from tropical and subtropical regions can reach 6 feet tall. It is grown as a houseplant or as an annual outdoors where it's not hardy. Its oval leaves are splashed with red, green, and yellow and its long, fuzzy flowers are borne periodically throughout the year, although they are somewhat hidden. Acalypha wilkesiana 'Tricolor' can be grown in a warm greenhouse, in a border, or as a specimen or hedging plant (especially in warm areas).
 Noteworthy characteristics: Multi-colored foliage; catkin-like flowers.
 Care: In the garden, this plant needs fertile, moist but well-drained soil that is rich in humus, and full sun or partial shade. Indoors, grow in a soilless mix in full or filtered light. Water freely during growth but moderately in winter.
 Propagation: Divide or root softwood cuttings in spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer using bottom heat.
 Problems: Indoors, scale insects, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs may be problems. In the garden, downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust leaf spots, and fungal root rots can occur.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Green Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Hedge, Indoor Plant, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Shrubs

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