Plant Library

Other Names:  Acalypha reptans

Description:

This variety produces long pendulous tassels of vibrant red on arching branches; perfect in hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes; an interesting and graceful addition to the garden or patio area

Ornamental Features

Dwarf Chenille Plant features unusual red catkins dangling from the stems from early summer to mid fall. Its serrated heart-shaped leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Dwarf Chenille Plant is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dwarf Chenille Plant is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting
• Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Chenille Plant will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

Dwarf Chenille Plant is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.