Stephie Dwarf Chenille Plant

Stephie Dwarf Chenille Plant (Acalypha reptans 'Stephie') is an evergreen groundcover that grows about 25cm tall and spreads to 60cm wide. It is covered in bright red, woolly, tail-like flowers up to 10cm long, which look like soft red chenille. It is unmistakable in a rockery, a windowbox or a hanging basket.

Why you'll love it

• Fluffy red tails. Woolly flower tails up to 10cm long give a bold, unusual texture.
• Flowers in sun or dappled shade. It blooms in full sun and in dappled shade, so there is more than one place for it.
• A groundcover that cascades. It spreads to 60cm wide and spills over the edge of baskets and pots.
• Compact scale. At only 25cm tall it suits small gardens, rockeries and tough spots.
• Evergreen. It keeps its leaves all year in a frost free position.

Where it works best

Rockeries and tough spots. Plant 40cm apart as a groundcover among stones, in a sunny or dappled position. Mulch between the plants while they spread.

Hanging baskets and windowboxes. One plant fills a basket, with the red tails hanging over the edge. Use a good potting mix rich in humus.

Indoors in cold climates. Where frost is a risk, bring a potted plant inside to a bright position for winter.

Growing Stephie Dwarf Chenille Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or dappled shade. It is frost tender: protect it from frost, or grow it in a pot and bring it indoors to a bright position in cold climates. Outdoors it is at home in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Soil. Well drained, light soil. In pots, use a mix rich in humus or other organic matter.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well after planting, then keep up regular watering. Feed with a fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune to shape as needed to keep it compact and flowering well.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Stephie Dwarf Chenille Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock of the tube depends on our grower. While the grower has none the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you as soon as it is back. Expect a small plant, with the red tails appearing as it settles and spreads. Plant it out in a warm spot once the risk of frost has passed, and water it in well.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the groundcover range
• Rockery plants for dry, sunny spots
• Plants for pots and containers
• Plants for balconies

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 40cm apart as a groundcover. A single plant is enough for a hanging basket.

Does it flower in shade?

Yes. It flowers in full sun or dappled shade.

Is it safe for pets?

We have not marked it pet friendly. Acalypha is a member of the euphorbia family, in which many plants carry an irritating sap, so it is best kept away from chewing pets.