Chenille Plant

Firetail is a low, spreading chenille plant grown for trailing stems and bright red, fuzzy flower spikes above small green leaves. Its compact proportions suit the edge of a container or a raised wall, where it can spill over without hiding neighboring plants. ## Landscape use and form The plant usually stays about 3–5 inches tall and spreads 15–18 inches, according to [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/acalypha/firetail-chenille-plant-acalypha-pendula). Its soft, fine-textured foliage and pendant red “cattails” give a strong color accent in baskets, window boxes and mixed containers. [UF/IFAS Extension](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP005) also lists it as a groundcover and cascading plant. Allow room for the stems to trail; it is a small accent, not a walking surface or a substitute for a lawn. ## Growing conditions Give Firetail part sun to full sun. The commercial listing rates it heat tolerant and recommends average water; in practice, keep the root zone evenly moist in containers and use a free-draining mix, avoiding both prolonged saturation and repeated drying out. UF/IFAS lists USDA zones 9B–11B, while the Proven Winners listing extends the product range to 9A–11B. Outside mild climates, treat it as a warm-season container plant and protect it from frost; the listing calls it an annual. Flowering is described as periodic from spring through summer or planting to frost, depending on source and climate. ## Identity and sourcing Its name varies among horticultural sources. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/acalypha/firetail-chenille-plant-acalypha-pendula) sells the product as “Firetail Chenille Plant” under *Acalypha pendula*, while updated [UF/IFAS guidance](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP005) identifies *Acalypha herzogiana* as the correct name and calls *A. pendula* a misapplied name; [Plant Delights Nursery](https://www.plantdelights.com/products/acalypha-herzogiana-firetail) also uses *Acalypha herzogiana* ‘Firetail’. Proven Winners is the brand source for this commercial selection; breeder attribution and a plant patent number were not verified in the reviewed sources. ## Maintenance This is considered an easy-care plant. Water when the potting mix begins to dry at the surface, then let excess drain. Remove frost-damaged growth after cold weather; in frost-free settings, trim only if stems need shaping or have outgrown their space. Professional production guidance notes spider mites as a pest to watch for, so inspect leaves if they become stippled or webbed in [Proven Winners grower notes](https://www.provenwinners.com/professionals/growers/plant-culture/acalypha-pendula).