Although a perennial or evergreen in milder climates, copperleaf is normally used as an annual in Texas. Few flowering plants can compete with its spectacular color from September until frost. Numerous cultivars are available and differ in leaf size, shape and coloration.

Leaves are up to eight inches long and may be bronzy green mottled with shades of red, crimson or purple. In a warm sheltered spot copperleaf may reach 6 feet or more although 3 to 4 feet is more typical.

The many colored strains of Acalypha Wilkesiana are much planted in south Florida and the American tropics. They are native to the South Pacific islands where they occasionally reach 15 feet in height.