Acalypha californica (California Copperleaf)
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California Copperleaf
Characteristics
Height: 1.5 - 3 ft
Width: 5 ft
Hardiness: Very hardy
Natural Setting: Inland it most often grows in crumbling granite rocks, ledges and cliff faces, though it occasionally grows in sand washes. Along the coast it often found near Oak Woodlands.
Plant Type: Shrub
Dormancy: Evergreen
Form: Mounding
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Season: Winter/spring
Soil: Adaptable, tolerates slow draining
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Water Requirements: Low to moderate once established
Summer Dry: No
Cold Tolerance: Tolerates cold to 30° F
Overview
A beautiful red-twigged shrub that is underused in native landscaping. Blooms most of the year if watered periodically.² It is the only Acalypha species native to California, found from the Peninsular Range foothills into the lower desert of San Diego County.³
Uses
Can be pruned to form a hedge.²
Anecdotal Experiences
Don’t judge them by how they look in the pots, they don’t like being in pots. Once planted they flourish.
Blooms early near the coast
Has a mounding habit so pruning is not super necessary, a good low maintenance plant
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One of the most garden tolerant species of manzanita, so a good species to start with if you want to try a manzanita.