Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Arabica
Standard
Firestorm
We received some Copper Plant on Jul 20, 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.
Last received Jul 20, 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.
Pet toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats
Pet safety guideAbout 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.
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 months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for the richest foliage color and most compact branching; shade causes loose, leggy growth and duller leaf hues.
Water regularly during establishment and dry spells; once settled it tolerates brief drought, but consistent moisture keeps the foliage most vibrant in Florida heat.
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.
Almond Bush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Cuphea
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Firespike
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Jasmine
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Loropetalum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Copper Plant a good plant for St. Augustine?
Copper Plant is a shrub. Mature size: 10-15 feet tall in frost-free zones, 3-5 feet in zone 9b (due to freeze-back) × 6-10 feet. Light: Full Sun. Water needs: Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a. Recorded salt tolerance: low.
What is the recorded pet toxicity for Copper Plant?
Toxic to dogs and cats
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.