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Add bright color to small spaces with Dwarf Copperleaf. Its colorful leaves provide year-round beauty in a compact size.
| Mature Height: | 3'-5' |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 2-4 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun (4-8+ Hours) |
| Water Needs: | Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Acalypha wilkesiana 'Dwarf' |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA Zones: 10-11 |
Dwarf Copperleaf – Colorful Evergreen Foliage for Low Borders
Provides year-round leaf color in shades of red, copper, bronze, and green. Suitable for foundation beds, mixed tropical plantings, and patio containers.
Dwarf Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) is a tropical evergreen shrub with leaves in shades of red, copper, bronze, green, and yellow, depending on the variety. It typically grows 2–4feet tall and 2–4 feet wide. In Southwest Florida, it is commonly used for low landscape borders, foundation beds, mixed tropical plantings, and outdoor containers.
This shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Direct sunlight helps maintain stronger foliage colors, while heavier shade may result in greenerleaves. Some afternoon shade can help prevent scorching in exposed areas.
For landscape planting, space Dwarf Copperleaf approximately 2–3 feet apart, depending on the starting plant size and desired coverage. Its smaller mature size allows it to fit intoplanting areas where larger Copperleaf varieties may not be suitable.
Newly planted Dwarf Copperleaf needs regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants prefer moderate soil moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Allow the upper layer of soil to begin drying between waterings and avoid areas where water collects after heavy rainfall.
Dwarf Copperleaf grows at a moderate to fast rate during warm weather. Light pruning encourages new branches and helps maintain its shape. Trim longer stems as needed to control growth.
This plant is sensitive to freezing temperatures. Cold weather may damage leaves and young branches, so sheltered planting locations are recommended in areas that experience occasional frost.
Why You'll Love It
Compact Shrub Growth: Typically grows 2–4 feet tall, making it suitable for smaller residential landscape beds.
Colorful Landscape Borders: Dense branching creates low-growing borders with foliage in shades of red, copper, bronze, green, or yellow, depending on the variety.
Year-Round Foliage Color: Maintains colorful leaves throughout the year in warm conditions without relying on seasonal flowers.
Less Height Maintenance: Its compact growth habit generally requires less frequent height control than larger Copperleaf shrubs.
Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with brighter sunlight generally supporting stronger foliage color.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and moderate moisture during active growth. Avoid saturated soil.
Mature Size: Approximately 2–4 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, depending on the cultivar and pruning.
Best Uses: Front yard borders, foundation beds, mixed shrub plantings, walkway gardens, small tropical gardens, and patio containers.
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