Acalypha hispida aka Red Hot Cat's Tail

Acalypha hispida, also known as the chenille plant, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a member of the Acalyphinae subfamily and the Acalypha genus, which is the fourth largest genus in the Euphorbiaceae family and includes various plants native to Hawaii and Oceania. This shrub grows upright and can reach a height of 2.5m, featuring large ovate leaves and pendulous fluffy red catkin-like flowerheads that can grow up to 45cm in length. These flowers bloom sporadically throughout the year. The chenille plant gets its name from the French word for caterpillar, and its crimson accents add textural interest to sunny flower gardens or homegrown bouquets. While the foliage of the chenille plant is unremarkable, its fuzzy red flowers steal the show. The flowers themselves consist of a row of pistils, but the fuzzy catkins they form provide visual and tactile enjoyment. These catkins can resemble plump fuzz balls and can grow pendulous, reaching lengths of up to 18 inches. Chenille plants are often grown in containers in non-tropical regions and can be brought indoors during winter. They can also be cultivated year-round as houseplants. In zones 9 and 10, where they are perennial, it is best to plant them in the spring. Overall, Acalypha hispida is a fascinating flowering shrub that adds beauty and texture to gardens and indoor spaces.