OUTDOOR |
PATIO |
SOIL TYPE |
% SUN |
POT SIZE |
INCLUDES |
ABOUT SUNSET SHRUBS
Wilkesiana Acalypha Sunset Shrub – Tropical medium sized leaves with lightly serrated margins are patched and splattered in varying shades of deep green light green and creamy yellow. Wilkesiana makes a great container plant on the patio. This colorful upright bush also known as the copper plant can reach heights of 10 feet or more. Acalypha, a South Pacific Native, has many variations in both form and color, they will add a tropical feel to any space.
These are very healthy shrubs with well established root systems and are ready to be repotted and enjoyed upon delivery.
Please note: Leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress. The growth rate of Sunset Shrubs will vary greatly depending on season, soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Always changing!
SUNSET SHRUB CARE
Sunset Shrubs are very easy to grow tropical shrubs that and seem to grow best when neglected. They add a wonderful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In very cold zones a containerized Sunset Shrub can be brought inside for the winter months. Most will survive a very light frost and quickly return to normal in spring. In the northern end of their grow zone Wilkesiana shrubs should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months.
When you receive your new shrub, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new shrub can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it a shady location. You can then add some mulch to the bucket to keep your Wilkesiana standing straight. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your Acalypha Sunset Shrub.
CONTAINER SIZE
Most gardeners don’t realize that Sunset Shrubs grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 12″ to a 24″ diameter, 14″ deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your shrub will be. When the shrub becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Sunset Shrubs enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Sunset Shrub, fertilize sparingly, biannually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. WARNING – The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers may damage the roots thus killing the shrub.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10a-11, find your zone here. This shrub requires 85-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is best. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted shrub will flourish over the summer months in this zone but must be brought inside for the winter months. (avoid frost)
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
Here at Kens Nursery these shrubs are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this shrub to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All shrubs for sale will vary in size. In the spring, shrubs are often smaller than shrubs shipped in the fall. Most shrubs designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual shrubs ready to ship. (click-here)
Note: Before leaving, Sunset Shrubs are inspected, watered, pruned if necessary and topped to 36″ to facilitate shipping. Your new shrub is then bagged to keep the soil moist, to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your shrub is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased.
You may want to buy this Wilkesiana Acalypha online now while they are in stock.