Acalypha pendula Foxie

Acalypha pendula Foxie, also known as the Red Cat's Tail is a small tropical bush, sensitive to frost, cultivated as an annual. This plant is highly decorative with its dense semi-trailing growth habit and long-lasting flowering in dense crimson tassels. The flowers continuously bloom with attractive wavy-edged and dentate leaves from summer until the first frost. It is an original and colourful plant that will make a great impact in hanging baskets and flower pots.  

The Acalypha belong to the family Euphorbiaceae and are native to the southeastern United States (Florida) and the Caribbean. They are small bushes that thrive in heat and humidity. They are sensitive to frost and even temperatures below 10°C (50°F). The Acalypha Foxie forms a dense clump in just a few weeks, with slightly trailing stems, measuring approximately 35cm (13.8in) in height and 50cm (19.7in) in width. Its bright green leaves are simple, triangular in shape, with dentate edges, strongly veined, hairy, and rough to the touch. They are theoretically evergreen in winter (in a greenhouse or conservatory). The flowering begins in July and continues until the end of October. It consists of tiny flowers in a beautiful red colour, grouped in cylindrical spikes measuring 5 to 7cm (2 to 2.8in) in length. The Acalypha can live for many years under good growing conditions. As it tends to become bare at the base over time, it may be necessary to prune it at the end of winter. Like all plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, it contains a toxic latex that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.

Install the Acalypha in your hanging baskets, making sure they do not lack water, nutrients, or sunlight. This plant pairs well with the Diamond Frost Euphorbia, blue or white lobelias, Eyeconic Purple Calibrachoa, or BeautiCal Pearl White Petunia, for example.