|
Image of the spectacular looking Acalypha hispida taken at Casa Jenny, Vieques Island
of Puerto Rico
|
|
Acalypha hispida
(Chenille Plant, Red Hot Cat tail, Red Hot Poker, Fox tail,
Pussy tail, Cola de Gato, Philippine Medusa)
|
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge)
Origin: Malaysia, New Guinea, East Indies
Light: Full sun - part shade
Height: 6'-12'
Spread: 3'-8''
Blooms: Constant, foot-long, furry, bright red clusters of catkins
tasels measuring 8"-20" Long, 0.5" Wide
Foliage: Evergreen, oval, 4-9" long, 3-4" wide
Soil: Well-drained, keep moist
Fertilizer: Bi-weekly with liquid fertilizer
Propagation: Semi-ripe wood tip cuttings in mid-summer
Caution: Aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs
Uses: Accent, specimen, container, patio, border, hedge
Comments: Acalypha hispida or Chenille Plant or Red Hot Cat tail or
Red Hot Poker or Fox tail or Pussy tail or Cola de Gato is an
exotic tropical perennial shrub with long drooping red flowers that
look like a cat or fox tail.
This is a spectacular-looking, disease-free sparsely
branched plant that is carefree and does not require much maintenance.
Chenille Plant enjoys being misted on hot days. In warmer
areas, it blooms repeatedly year-round while in colder regions, it has
to be brought indoors. Red Hot Cat tail is easily propagated by
leaf or stem cuttings. Cola de Gato is a show-stopper and looks
lovely as a specimen plant in the landscaping or as a container plant to
accent the patio or as a houseplant. Trim the plant regularly to
keep in shape. Curious passer-by have taken many pictures of my
Philippine Medusa plant growing in 'Casa Jenny', my
vacation rental home garden on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico -
http://gulfcoastrentals.com/images/casa/casajenny.htm
USDA Hardiness Zones : 10-12 |
