This document is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman.
Introduction
Dwarf chenille plant is a perennial groundcover that reaches a maximum height of 6 inches (Figure 1). This plant is a fine-textured relative of the more commonly used chenille plant, Acalypha hispida, which is an upright shrub. In the full sun, this plant forms a thick canopy of tiny, serrated leaves 3/4 inches long by 1/2 inches wide (Figure 2). Bright red, fuzzy flowers stand upright above the foliage (Figure 3).
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Acalypha herzogiana
Previous name(s): Acalypha pendula (misapplied)
Pronunciation: ack-uh-LIFE-uh her-zog-ee-AH-nah
Common name(s): dwarf chenille plant, strawberry firetails, dwarf cat’s tail
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant type: groundcover
USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11B (Figures 4 and 5)
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Planting month for zone 9B: year-round
Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round
Origin: not native to North America
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Uses: hanging basket; groundcover; cascading down a wall
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
Description
Height: up to 6 inches
Spread: depends upon supporting structure
Plant habit: spreading
Plant density: dense
Growth rate: slow
Texture: fine
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: serrate
Leaf shape: ovate
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: red
Flower characteristic: year-round flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: unknown
Fruit length: unknown
Fruit cover: unknown
Fruit color: unknown
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Current year stem/twig color: green
Current year stem/twig thickness: thin
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in partial shade
Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam
Drought tolerance: moderate
Soil salt tolerance: unknown
Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
Dwarf chenille plant is well suited for a hanging basket or will have a cascading effect when planted close to the edge of a wall. This plant makes a good groundcover provided it is planted in a low traffic location, as foot traffic will damage this plant. Its small stature and slow growth make it a nice addition to a rock garden or other small-scale landscape design.
Dwarf chenille plants thrive in partial shade. This plant performs well in many types of well-drained soils with little care other than occasional irrigation needed to maintain the plant once it is established.
Design Considerations
The short red upright flowers of the dwarf chenille plant are a striking feature that can be used to bring color to a groundcover. Red shows best in full or part sun when paired with other small shrubs or groundcovers with white and pink flowers to make the red look more intense. Groundcovers with larger dark green, glossy leaves would also contrast well with the leaves of the dwarf chenille plant. Background plants could include purple and white flowers, and fine or medium textures such as grasses with narrow strap blades in a clumping form or tall spiky forms with narrow leaves.
Pests and Diseases
Scales, mites, whitefly, and aphids may be troublesome pests in some landscapes, especially when plants are grown in partial shade. No diseases of major concern.