Species Joseph's coat
Multicolored maroon leaves with a wavy texture, white blooms, over thin yellow stems.

Joseph's coat

Alternanthera dentata

Joseph's coat (Alternanthera dentata) is an amazing plant species for its brilliant show of colour. Its burgundy-bronze foliage can change the look of your garden and can even be used as an edging or container plant. In the summer, it offers up cheerful pink and white flowers. Hardy and easy to grow even in hot, humid climates, Joseph's coat grows well in many soil conditions without too much fuss. Its beautiful colour can be used to create eye-catching combinations and ornamentals, while its heat and drought-tolerance add to its popularity as a garden mainstay.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple,pink

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Joseph's coat is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive short periods of dry conditions. However, it does require regular watering to look its best. It should be watered at least once per week, providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches. During the hottest times of the year, more frequent watering may be needed. Always check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Joseph's coat plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer full sun, or bright, direct sunlight for most of the day, but may be able to do well in part shade for some of the day. Joseph's coats can also grow in full shade, but the foliage color will pale in comparison to when grown in brighter light. If possible, it is best to start the plants off in the brighter light and then gradually transition them to more shade as the season progresses.

pruning

Pruning should be done twice per year for best results: once in early spring, right after the last frost, and again in late summer. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season if needed. When pruning, make sure to remove dead or damaged leaves, stems and flowers. Make sure to keep the shape of the plant neat and prune back stems that are too long or unruly. You should leave 2 to 3 inches of stems when pruning. Also, Joseph's coat produces a wonderful bloom from its branches, so do not prune too severely, as this will affect the amount of flowers produced.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Alternanthera dentata typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Alternanthera dentata typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map