PlantFiles: Copper Leaf, Jacob's Coat
Acalypha wilkesiana

I've used this plant as an annual here in Pittsburgh, PA (zone 6a) for several years now. This year I coupled it with my Acapulco Salmon & Pink Agastache to great effect. If you enjoy plantings that are tonal in nature, this is a perfect pairing! I've included a picture to the right to demonstrate just how beautifully they work together.

I overwinter cuttings inside because this is one of my favorite summer container plants -- it plays well and dramatically with just about anything and unlike coleus and perilla, it does not "fade" or get leggy (easily pinched to control height) in the autumn. Just love it! Very nice with cigar plant (cuphea), calico ivy, purple angelonia and asparagus fern.

I have several of these and love them. They don't have any pest or disease problems and can take sun or shade. The tops get a bit singed in a freeze, but I trim them back and they've come back bigger each year for three years. They do tend to require daily watering until new plants get the roots established, but after that they are very tolerant of high heat and humidity.

It only grows successfully in the garden during the summer, otherwise, it is on houseplant status

Here in S Florida I have seen these 15' or better. In my yard I have several of each (general) color which I keep at about 8'. Great for use in hiding an ugly section of yard you don't want seen. I have had leaves to 15" in length and 10-12 inches in width. I also have one that is both green and red/maroon. This one is in full sun. I have several in shade and they still do well, not as tall as in the ones in the sun. If you are looking for spectacular showy plant with great color, these have it.
Art

San Antonio, Tx.
The copper leaf is a plant that adds interesting color wherever it has been planted. The variations of the foliage color provides interest. The leaves turn more coppery the more sun they receive. In filtered or partial shade, the leaves have more purple, mauve, and pink tones. The blooms when drying hang down looking like yarn in the late summer and fall. An easy to grow, carefree plant that has provided me much enjoyment through the years.

I grew this plant in St. Petersburg, Florida (zone 9b) for almost ten years. It is easy from cuttings. I had it in a very sunny spot, but it was partially shaded by 10-15' tall Dwarf Brazilian bananas and papayas.

I also had various colored cannas and zebra plants in that bed, so it was all very tropical looking. Everything froze down during harsh winters, but I had every thing well mulched, so they all came back by mid-Spring.

Best foliage color in full sun. Soils must be kept consistently moist. If soils dry out, rapid leaf drop usually occurs. Stems may be pinched to control size and shape and to promote bushiness. Take tip cuttings in late summer to overwinter.