Acalypha chamaedrifolia aka Bastard Copperleaf

Acalypha chamaedrifolia belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is a perennial, so it lives for years. Its home range runs from southern Florida through the Caribbean. It grows in rocky pine woods and on disturbed ground. In southern Florida, these sites lie near sea level. Kew places it in the wet tropical biome. The RHS also uses the name Acalypha hispaniolae as a synonym.

Its stems spread on the ground or rise from it. They can turn woody and last as the plant grows. Useful Tropical Plants gives a height of just 0.3–1 foot [0.1–0.3 metres]. The RHS gives a garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. It gives the same range for spread. The plant stays compact but can trail over a pot's edge. Its oval leaves stay dark green all year. Crimson flower spikes grow about 0.16–0.23 feet [0.05–0.07 metres] long. The RHS lists blooms from spring through autumn. Useful Tropical Plants says flowers and fruit can form year-round.

In cooler regions, grow it indoors or under glass. Use peat-free potting compost. Give it full or filtered light. Warm climates suit outdoor growth in sun or part shade. Choose a sheltered spot with rich soil that drains well. The RHS lists clay, sand, and chalk as suitable soils. The soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Give plenty of water while the plant grows. Feed it each month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. In winter, give less water. Keep the compost just moist. Its RHS hardiness rating is H1B. In Britain, it can grow outside in summer, but not year-round.

Gardeners grow it for its leaves and red flowers. Its trailing stems suit hanging baskets and patio pots. They suit other containers too. The RHS says it needs little care. Plants can take five to ten years to reach full size. Take softwood cuttings in early spring. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Both need heat beneath the material in which they root. Useful Tropical Plants also says growers can use seed.

The RHS reports few disease problems, but pests may attack. Watch for glasshouse whitefly and red spider mite. Mealybugs and scale insects may also attack. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not prove food safety. Extracts from cultured callus tissue have uses in commercial cosmetics. These include products that condition hair and help skin hold moisture.