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Firetail Flower Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbiaceae

Firetail Flower

Acalypha hispida

Dramatic beauty and exuberance.

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Genus
Acalypha
Native to
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia
Bloom season
Year-Round
Type
Evergreen shrub
Height
1-3 meters
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Well-drained, fertile
Water
Moderate to high
Hardiness
10-12
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • The dramatic drooping flower tassels can grow up to 50 cm long, resembling a red cat's tail.
  • It is also commonly known as chenille plant or red hot cat's tail.
  • Only female plants produce the long showy tassels; male flowers are small and inconspicuous.
  • In tropical gardens, it blooms continuously throughout the year.
  • The fuzzy texture of the flower tassels comes from thousands of tiny pistillate flowers.

Color meanings

0

Drama

1

Exuberance

2

Passion

Uses

  • Ornamental
  • Container gardening
  • Tropical landscaping
  • Hanging baskets