Jacob's coat (Acalypha wilkesiana)

Overview

Jacob’s coat, scientifically known as Acalypha wilkesiana, is prized above all else for its exceptionally vibrant and variegated foliage, making it a standout tropical accent. This broadleaf evergreen produces striking bronze-green leaves heavily mottled with shades of red and purple, justifying its common name, Jacob’s coat. While it can reach substantial size in its native tropical environment, it is commonly cultivated as a manageable shrub or container plant in cooler climates.

As a low-maintenance beauty, Acalypha wilkesiana thrives best when provided with consistent moisture and plenty of light to intensify its coloration. It is generally treated as an annual bedding plant outside of tropical regions, though container specimens offer the possibility of overwintering. The primary appeal of Jacob’s coat lies firmly in its visual impact rather than its insignificant reddish-pink flowers.

Gardeners value this selection for adding dense texture and year-round color to garden beds, mixed containers, or as a vibrant foliage specimen. Ensuring proper soil drainage and adequate warmth are key to maintaining the lush appearance of Acalypha wilkesiana throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Pacific Islands
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-4 ft
  • Spread: 2-4 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Reddish-pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting your Acalypha wilkesiana should occur after all spring frost danger has passed, treating it as a seasonal annual in cooler areas like St. Louis. In the ground, choose a location receiving partial shade to full sun; maximum foliage color develops in full sun locations. The shrub demands moist, average to moderately fertile, well-drained soils to perform optimally.

Consistent moisture is critical for Jacob’s coat. If the soil dries out, the plant will exhibit rapid leaf drop, impacting its ornamental value. Water regularly to keep soils uniformly moist, especially when grown in containers. Fertilizing is generally light, focusing efforts on maintaining good soil structure.

To manage the size and shape of your Acalypha wilkesiana, remember that pinching stems will encourage a bushier, more compact habit suitable for borders or containers. For those wishing to preserve this tropical gem over winter, take tip cuttings in late summer. These cuttings can root and become container plants that require intense, bright light and constant soil moisture when overwintered indoors.

In its native habitat (or in Zone 10/11 ground plantings), this can become a large evergreen shrub, but container or annual use keeps the size closer to the 2 to 4-foot range.

Landscape Uses

Acalypha wilkesiana excels when utilized as a dynamic element within mixed plantings where its colorful leaves can contrast with surrounding greenery. It functions perfectly as a bedding plant, providing continuous tropical flair throughout the warm months. Consider using it as a vibrant filler within larger borders, giving the edge depth and texture.

Due to its moderate size (2-4 feet tall and wide usually), Jacob’s coat is also an outstanding choice for container gardening. When grouped with contrasting foliage textures—such as fine grasses or broad-leaved elephant ears—the rich mottling of the Copperleaf truly pops. This plant brings essential year-round color to spaces where seasonal annuals traditionally drop off in appearance.

For a tropical effect, plant a mass of Jacob’s coat near entrances or patios where its foliage can be appreciated up close. While it doesn’t offer significant floral impact, its leaf display provides an aesthetic benefit that few other summer annuals can match.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Acalypha wilkesiana originates from the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, where it develops into a substantial evergreen shrub in frost-free climates. Grown typically as an annual in temperate regions, its chief feature is highly ornamental, shiny foliage, characterized by coarsely-toothed, oval leaves mottled richly with bronze, red, and purple. The genus name references nettles due to leaf appearance, while the specific epithet honors Admiral Charles Wilkes’ explorations.

Tolerances

• No data available

Potential Problems

Occasional minor pest issues may include white fly, mealy bugs, and spider mites, particularly if the plant is stressed or grown indoors during winter. Various caterpillars can also target the foliage. Maintaining consistent moisture and providing optimal light—especially indoors—is the best preventative measure. Inspect plants regularly, treating minor infestations with insecticidal soap. Further management information should be sought regarding pests common to many indoor plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Jacob’s coat suitable for?

Acalypha wilkesiana is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 11. In colder zones (like St. Louis), it must be grown as an annual or brought indoors before frost threatens.

How large does Jacob’s coat grow?

When grown to its full potential in a tropical climate, this shrub can reach 10 to 15 feet tall and wide; however, as an annual or container plant, it typically remains in the 2 to 4-foot height range with a similar spread.

What sun exposure does Acalypha wilkesiana need?

This plant prefers full sun to part shade. For the most intense and richly colored foliage presentation, full sun exposure is recommended, provided soil consistently remains moist.

When does Acalypha wilkesiana bloom?

It is a seasonal bloomer, producing insignificant green flowers that may sometimes have a reddish-pink tinge, appearing in slender spikes up to 8 inches long.

Conclusion

The striking, variegated leaves of Jacob’s coat make Acalypha wilkesiana an unparalleled choice for gardeners seeking intense, low-maintenance tropical color throughout the summer. Its ability to thrive in consistent moisture and bright light ensures peak foliage display. Before planting, confirm your local hardiness zone, or plan ahead for overwintering containers to enjoy this Copperleaf gem year after year.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Acalypha wilkesiana is straightforward, primarily through the use of stem or tip cuttings taken during the late summer months. By taking 4- to 6-inch tips from healthy, non-flowering stems, you can easily establish new plants or overwinter existing ones indoors. Ensure the cuttings are placed in a consistently moist, sterile rooting medium.

For those overwintering container plants rather than starting new cuttings, simply treat the plant as a large houseplant. It requires extremely bright light—mimicking the full sun it desires outside—and demands that the soil remains uniformly moist without becoming waterlogged. This simple process preserves the stock of vibrant Jacob’s coat for the next growing season.

Companion Planting

When planning borders or mixed containers featuring Jacob’s coat, select companions that appreciate similar growing conditions: bright light and medium, consistent water. Plants that thrive in full sun to part shade with medium water demands make excellent partners.

For textural contrast, pair the broad foliage of Acalypha wilkesiana with finer elements like Ipomoea (sweet potato vine) or various ornamental grasses that offer movement. Because Jacob’s coat brings deep, rich colors, lighter green or silver-leaved companions will help highlight its unique mottling. Avoid plants that prefer dry or consistently poor soils.