How to Grow Prince Albert
Wikimedia Commons
Prince Albert
Acalypha wilkesiana
shrubPrince Albert is a tropical ornamental shrub prized for its striking, velvety foliage with dramatic copper-red and burgundy coloring. It produces delicate, elongated flower spikes but is primarily grown for its vibrant, textured leaves that add tropical flair to gardens and indoor spaces. This heat-loving plant thrives in warm climates and is a popular choice for foliage contrast in landscape design.
When should you plant Prince Albert in your zone?
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Example Prince Albert timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Prince Albert
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Prince Albert
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Prince Albert dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; can be grown in containers and moved indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Prince Albert timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation & Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung cuttings or seedlings with small leaves; plant is establishing root system
Maintain high humidity (70-80%), keep soil consistently moist, provide bright indirect light, use rooting hormone for cuttings to improve success rate
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops new stems and leaves; foliage begins showing characteristic copper-red coloring
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth, apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, maintain warmth (70-85°F), increase watering as growth accelerates
Maturation & Foliage Peak
Ongoing with proper maintenancePlant reaches mature size with full, dense foliage; leaves display rich burgundy and copper tones
Prune to maintain shape and density, continue regular feeding, maintain high humidity, reduce watering slightly if soil stays moist
Flowering
6-8 weeks, sporadic throughout yearDelicate, elongated reddish flower spikes appear among the foliage (secondary feature)
Flowers are not the primary attraction; maintain regular care routine, deadhead spent flowers if desired to redirect energy to foliage
Seasonal Rest
2-4 months depending on climateGrowth slows in winter or cooler months; foliage may lose some vibrancy
Reduce watering frequency, lower feeding to once monthly, maintain minimum temperature of 60°F, provide bright light to maintain color intensity
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity through regular misting, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly, isolate affected plant
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray, monitor closely for reinfestation
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Scrape off manually, apply neem oil or horticultural oil, repeat every 7-10 days
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, improve air circulation
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Improve drainage, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, remove affected portions, repot in fresh soil if severe
Uses
No culinary use
CulinaryPrince Albert is not edible and is grown purely as an ornamental plant. [source]
Interior decoration and tropical ambiance
HouseholdExcellent as a potted houseplant or in tropical-themed indoor gardens. The striking foliage adds color and texture to living spaces, brightening interiors with its burgundy and copper tones while improving air quality. [source]
Floral arrangements and dried foliage
CraftThe colorful leaves are used in tropical floral arrangements and can be dried for long-lasting crafts. The distinctive texture and color make it valuable for decorative applications. [source]
Ornamental landscape and habitat
WildlifeIn tropical regions, provides shelter and food sources for birds and beneficial insects. The flowers attract pollinators and hummingbirds, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. [source]
Traditional tropical medicine
MedicinalIn some tropical regions, parts of Acalypha species have been used in traditional medicine, though Prince Albert specifically is not commonly documented for medicinal properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Prince Albert is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch or prune stems regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant appearance. Harvest stems for cuttings year-round for propagation. Cut back by 1/3 in early spring to rejuvenate older plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Prince Albert gets its common name from Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Queen Victoria's consort, reflecting the Victorian era's obsession with exotic tropical plants.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'shrub,' Prince Albert can grow quite large in ideal conditions—reaching 6-10 feet tall in tropical gardens, though container specimens typically stay smaller.
- 🌱 The velvety texture of the leaves is due to tiny hairs on the leaf surface called trichomes, which also help protect the plant from excessive light and water loss in tropical climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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