Acalypha ‘Chenile Firetail’
Chenille Firetail is a bold and playful plant that brings a burst of color and texture to any space with its softcomma-sign fuzzy red blooms that look just like tiny caterpillars. A fast-growing perennial in warm climates (or an annual in cooler zones), this charming plant thrives in full sun to partial shadecomma-sign making it a great choice for gardenscomma-sign hanging basketscomma-sign and patio containers. Its lush green foliage and cascading flowers create a tropicalcomma-sign whimsical vibecomma-sign adding a touch of fun and vibrancy to your home or outdoor space.
Specs
Soft Texture, Tropical Color and Cascading Charm
Acalypha ‘Chenille Firetail’ is a playful tropical plant that adds a burst of whimsy and color with its fuzzy, red flower spikes that resemble tiny caterpillars. With a lush trailing habit and year-round blooms in warm climates, it’s perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or as vibrant ground cover. The vivid contrast between its velvety blooms and deep green foliage creates a standout tropical display indoors or out.
Product Highlights
Category: Flowering
Bloom Time: Year-round in warm climates, peak blooming in summer
Growth Habit: Trailing and cascading
Mature Size: 3 to 5 inches tall, spreads 15 to 18 inches
USDA Zone: 9 to 11 (perennial), treated as annual in cooler zones
Temperature: Prefers 60 to 90°F
Color: Bright red flowers with rich green leaves
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade, brighter light enhances blooming
Water Needs: Moderate, prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil
Bloom Size: 3 to 6 inches long, pendulous fuzzy spikes
Pet Friendly? No. Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
Best Use:
Great for tropical-themed containers, window boxes or cascading over edges, Chenille Firetail adds movement and texture with very little effort.
Pro tip:
Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth and remove faded blooms for continuous color.
Acalypha ‘Chenille Firetail’ is a playful tropical plant that adds a burst of whimsy and color with its fuzzy, red flower spikes that resemble tiny caterpillars. With a lush trailing habit and year-round blooms in warm climates, it’s perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or as vibrant ground cover. The vivid contrast between its velvety blooms and deep green foliage creates a standout tropical display indoors or out.
Product Highlights
Category: Flowering
Bloom Time: Year-round in warm climates, peak blooming in summer
Growth Habit: Trailing and cascading
Mature Size: 3 to 5 inches tall, spreads 15 to 18 inches
USDA Zone: 9 to 11 (perennial), treated as annual in cooler zones
Temperature: Prefers 60 to 90°F
Color: Bright red flowers with rich green leaves
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade, brighter light enhances blooming
Water Needs: Moderate, prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil
Bloom Size: 3 to 6 inches long, pendulous fuzzy spikes
Pet Friendly? No. Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
Best Use:
Great for tropical-themed containers, window boxes or cascading over edges, Chenille Firetail adds movement and texture with very little effort.
Pro tip:
Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth and remove faded blooms for continuous color.
Key Features:
Bloom Time:
Year-round
Growth Habit:
Trailing
Mature Height:
MINI (under 12 inches)
USDA Zone:
Temperate (Zones 7 to 9)
Temperature:
Warm Climate
Color:
Red
Light Requirement:
Full Sun
Water Need:
Moderate
Bloom Size:
Large
Pet Friendly:
No