This is an evergreen shrub found in the tropics and the Far East, where it grows to 3m (10ft) in height. Its main attraction is its glossy foliage which is dark green, laced with veins of yellow, pink, orange and red, and in its native areas it’s often used for decorative hedges.
In this post
Is alternanthera an evergreen?
‘Purple Knight’ is a vigorous, spreading upright tender evergreen perennial grown as an annual for the dark purple stems and foliage. Leaves are lance shaped and flowers are occasional, white and insignificant, in summer.
How do you take care of Brazilian red hots?
Position: Full sun to part shade. Brazilian Red Hots™ Alternanthera loves humidity and is heat tolerant. It’s a frost tender shrub, so it will need to be planted in a sheltered position to protect it from light frost. In frost-free areas Brazilian Red Hots™ Alternanthera can be planted in full sun to part shade.
How do you propagate alternanthera?
Propagation. Propagate “Purple Knight” using seeds or cuttings. To grow this plant from seed, start the seed in a germinating medium about four to five weeks before moving them outdoors. Transition the plants to the outdoors or transplant them when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you plant a small ruby?
LOCATION: Plant in well drained soil in a full sun to partly shaded position in the garden. Needs a frost-free position in cooler climates. Thrives in humid conditions. CARE: Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks.
Is Joseph’s Coat perennial or annual?
perennial
Joseph’s coat is a perennial that is normally grown as an annual, but it can be perennial in the warmest, most protected landscapes of extreme south Louisiana.
Does Alternanthera come back every year?
If you experience sub-freezing winter temperatures where you live, you can grow Joseph’s coat or calico plant as an annual, occasionally pinching back stems any time during the plant’s life. The plants can also over-winter indoors or thrive as houseplants year-round, notes Fine Gardening.
Are Brazilian Red Hots perennials?
The tropical perennial plants are easy to grow low-input and prefer partial shade, but can tolerate the hot Texas sun if planted in the spring or if planted in northern parts of the state. However, its attractive foliage color is most vibrant if planted in intense sunlight.
How do you prune a Brazilian red cloak?
Prune lightly and regularly to encourage dense growth. Untrimmed plants will become leggy and unattractive. Can grow in full sun but often looks a nicer shade of green in part sun. Does best in rich, well-drained soil.
How do I grow alternanthera Purple Prince?
Plant Alternanthera Seeds: Sow seed in cell packs or flats, press into soil but do not cover. Needs light to germinate. Kept at 70-75° F., germination is in 3-14 days. Transplant into the garden 18-24 inches apart after all danger of frost.
How big does Joseph’s coat get?
around 12” inches tall
Size & Growth
This plant grows around 12” inches tall and spreads 12” inches wide, which is a typical growth habit among its species. The burgundy foliage of this plant remains dense to the ground. The foliage color ranges from green to burgundy color, but the leaf color is a striking shade of dark purple.
Why is my alternanthera losing leaves?
These issues are usually caused by too much light/heat or just forgetfulness – remember, the brighter the location, the more watering you’ll need to do. Over-watering symptoms include the central foliage beginning to yellow rot, little to no new growth, yellowing lower leaves and eventual plant death.
How often should I water my Josephs coat?
Supply your Joseph’s Coat plant with rich, organic soil. It will respond well if you feed it a liquid fertilizer, like fish emulsion, every two or three weeks. This plant will require plenty of water, too. An inch of water every week will keep your plant happy.
Do you prune little Ruby?
You can trim it during the growing season to keep its dense shape. Choose a well mulched garden for this plant and water it as required for 8-13 weeks, until it is established. If required use slow release fertiliser in spring. Lightly trim this bush in winter to remove the flowers and encourage dense, compact growth.
Can you grow little ruby from a cutting?
It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Little Ruby™ Alternanthera is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets.
Can little Ruby grow in shade?
Position: Full sun to part shade. Little Ruby™ Alternanthera loves humidity, is heat tolerant and can handle light frost better than other forms. Care: Water as required for 8-13 weeks until established.
How do you take care of a Joseph coat plant?
Joseph’s Coat is easy to grow and looks its best if kept sheared to keep low growing and compact. These troopers are in the ground a long time performing a valuable task, so water them during periods of drought and feed with a light application of the fertilizer three times during the summer and early fall.
Is Coleus the same as Josephs coat?
Coleus commonly called Joseph’s Coat originated in Indonesia, Thailand and the East Indies and is a member of the Mint family.
Why is my Joseph’s coat wilting?
Though Joseph’s coat is somewhat drought-tolerant it can wilt and show strain when under-watered during hot conditions. Mulch with an organic material such as shredded bark or cocoa hulls around the roots, to cut down on watering and weed formation.
Can Alternanthera grow in shade?
The plants grow well in both sun and partial shade, but the colors are more intense in full sun.
How tall does Alternanthera get?
Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Performs best in full sun or part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.