Alternanthera Species, Brazilian Joyweed, Calico Plant, Joseph's Coat, Purple Joyweed, Ruby Leaf

Alternantherabrasiliana

Genus
Alternanthera (al-ter-NANTH-ur-uh)
Synonym
Alternanthera straminea
Gomphrena brasiliana
Telanthera brasiliana
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Good Fall Color
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
Mid Winter
Blooms repeatedly
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Groundcovers
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon
Orange/Apricot
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Fort Myers, Florida

Miami, Florida

Naples, Florida

Ocala, Florida

Orlando, Florida

Saint Petersburg, Florida

Zephyrhills, Florida

ST THOMAS, Mississippi

Houston, Texas

St Thomas, Virgin Islands

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
2
neutrals
0
negative
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D
D
Naples, FL | December 2013 | positive

Roots at nodes and will start almost anywhere, so must be controlled, but this is easy to do. Repeated trimming back will train to a dens...Read More

B
| May 2011 | neutral

I posted pictures of this plant in the Tropical Gardening Forum., asking for the ID of this plant...( thanks, Metro, for the right plant ...Read More

P
Westbrook, ME (Zone 5a) | January 2003 | neutral

A tropical perennial native to the West Indies and Brazil, it's often grown as a bedding annual in colder regions. Plants grow up to 3 fe...Read More

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