Growing Alternanthera

These compact plants make a great filler for container plantings. This is a guide about growing alternanthera.

Solutions: Growing Alternanthera

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Growing: Alternanthera

Botanical Name:

Alternanthera

Life Cycle:

annual or tender perennial

Planting Time:

spring or summer

Height:

6" to over 1 foot

Exposure:

full sun to partial shade

Soil:

average soil

Hardiness:

zones 5-11 dependent on variety

Bloom Time:

spring to early frost

Flower:

white, inconspicuous

Foliage:

reds to purples to greens to yellows, can be blotchy or variegated

Propagation:

root cuttings 1 to 2 inches in length

Suggested Use:

beds, edging, borders, containers, and terrariums

Growing Hints:

Alternanthera make excellent fillers for container displays due to their compact growth. Space four inches apart for a carpet effect and pinch back occasionally to keep plants bushy. Pot plants and bring indoors as a house plant for winter.

Interesting Facts:

Alternanthera come in many varieties. Varieties commonly grown as annuals are also known as Calico Plant or Joseph's Coat.

By Ellen Brown

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