Shrub
Copper Plant
Acalypha wilkesiana
Monrovia® varieties
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardAcalypha wilkesianaFirestormAcalypha wilkesianaArabicaAcalypha wilkesianaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
#2MonroviaFrom$34.95
3 galFrom$14.95
7 galFrom$59.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size10-15 feet tall in frost-free zones, 3-5 feet in zone 9b (due to freeze-back) × 6-10 feet
About Copper Plant
Copper plant (Acalypha wilkesiana) is a fast-growing tropical shrub from the Pacific Islands prized for its striking foliage in shades of copper, red, orange, and bronze. Insignificant catkin-like flowers appear throughout the season, but the colorful leaves are the main ornamental feature. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Tropical shrub — treated as annual/seasonal in zone 9b; top-kills with frost
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun for the richest foliage color and most compact branching; shade causes loose, leggy growth and duller leaf hues.
Water
Water regularly during establishment and dry spells; once settled it tolerates brief drought, but consistent moisture keeps the foliage most vibrant in Florida heat.
Soil & Fertilizer
Tolerates sandy to loamy soils with good drainage; feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to sustain lush, colorful foliage in NE Florida's nutrient-poor sands.
Similar needs
Abelia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $14.95Same conditions
Almond Bush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $59.95Same conditions
Cuphea
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $6.95Same conditions
Firespike
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $4.50Same conditions
Jasmine
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $14.95Same conditions
Loropetalum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
From $14.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Copper Plant a good plant for St. Augustine?
Copper Plant is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 10-15 feet tall in frost-free zones, 3-5 feet in zone 9b (due to freeze-back) × 6-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 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.