Copper Leaf, Beefsteak Plant

Sun Exposure: Full sun to bring the full colors out.

Origin: South Pacific islands

Growth Habits: Semi-deciduous shrub, up to 15 feet tall (4.5 m); grown for its attractive leaves, found in a variety of colors

Flowers: Pink or red flowers

Watering Needs: Regular to abundant water, need good drainage

Propagation: Cuttings

Multicolor, heart shaped foliage, can be any of green, red, purple, crimson, and orange.

Varieties:
• 'Godseffiana': shorter, more evergreen form, green to reddish leaves with yellowish margins, originating in New Guinea
• 'Hoffmanii': narrower bright green leaves with a thin white margin.
• 'Java White': creamy yellow leaves mottled greenish.
• 'Macafeena': older cultivar with showy red leaves marked with crimson and bronze.
• 'Macrophylla': very large cordate reddish-brown leaves.
• 'Miltoniana': oblong leaves with white margins with deeper cuts.
• 'Musaica': bronzy-orange-green with red to orange markings.

Acalypha wilkesiana "Macrophylla"

Blooming Habits:
The Copper Leaf bears inconspicuous green flowers.

Culture:
Cut old branches to the ground to encourage new colorful growth. Grows well in containers.