A spreading to bushy herbaceous plant, reaching up to 2 feet in height, that is native from Mexico to Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. It is widely planted as an annual bedding plant in temperate regions around the world.
The elliptical leaves are up to 4 x 2 inches in size.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 ( colder zones as an annual ) in full sun on fertile, moist, well drained soil. Drought tolerant. In temperate climates, plant outdoors during spring after the last frost has occurred. It has become invasive in parts of Australia where its use should be avoided. It is easy to grow from cuttings.
'Purple Knight'
A vigorous annual, reaching up to 1 x 2.5 feet.
The foliage is deep purple.
* photos taken on Aug 1 2022 in Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'True Yellow'
Intense golden-yellow foliage.
* photos taken on July 1 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 9 2020 in Columbia, MD
