Chenille Plant
Acalypha hispida
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Aug 21, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Chenille Plant
Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) is a tropical shrub from the Indo-Pacific region prized for its extraordinary long, drooping catkin-like flower spikes in brilliant crimson-red that closely resemble fuzzy chenille fabric. It provides a bold, exotic focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens and container displays. Starting at $4.50.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Chenille Plant blooms best and most prolifically in full sun; in NE Florida, provide afternoon shade protection only if planting in a very exposed, wind-swept location.
Water regularly to maintain moderate soil moisture; established plants in NE Florida's sandy soil may need irrigation 2–3 times per week in summer heat and less in winter.
Grows well in well-drained sandy or loam soils; fertilize three times per year (spring, summer, fall) with a quality granular fertilizer and supplement with bloom boosters to encourage the showy flower spikes.
Similar needs
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Blackberry
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Carolina Wolfberry
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Elderberry
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Firespike
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Common questions
Is Chenille Plant a good plant for St. Augustine?
Chenille Plant is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-6 feet × 4-8 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed June 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.