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, it often wilts when it is starting to go dry then quickly perks up if immediately watered.. 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. Spider mites can sometimes be a problem. It is usually propagated from cuttings though seeds to species forms is also an option.
'Purple Prince'
A vigorous annual, reaching up to 1 x 2.5 feet. It differs by having deep reddish-purple foliage,
Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight'
A perennial, zone 9b+, reaching up to 1.8 x 3 ( 1 x 2.5 as an annual ) feet, with glowing, deep purplish-red oval foliage. It can also be grown in smaller climates though would rarely reach more than 1.5 x 1.5 feet. The species is native to the Caribbean.
* photos taken on Aug 1 2022 in Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON
* photo taken on June 12 2025 in Columbia, MD
Alternanthera ficoidea
A perennial, in zone 10+. an annual reaching up to 1.5 x 1.5 feet in temperate climates.
The elliptic or ovate mid-green leaves are up to 1 inch in length.
'True Yellow'
Intense golden-yellow foliage.
* photos taken on July 1 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 9 2020 in Columbia, MD
