Alternanthera

Alternanthera is a fast-growing tropical foliage plant available in varieties with red, purple, burgundy, green, or multicolored leaves. Its low, spreading growth makes it useful for landscape borders, mass plantings, and filling open spaces between larger shrubs. In Southwest Florida, Alternanthera provides foliage color throughout warm weather without relying on flowers. This plant typically grows 6–24 inches tall and 12–36 inches wide, depending on the variety. Compact selections remain low to the ground, while taller varieties can be maintained at a shorter height through trimming.​

​Grows best in full sun to partial shade Alternanthera prefers well-drained soil. Bright sunlight generally supports stronger red, purple, and burgundy foliage colors. Some varieties tolerate partial shade but may develop greener leaves with less direct sunlight. 

For borders and mass plantings, space plants approximately 12–18 inches apart, adjusting for the mature size of the selected variety. Alternanthera spreads through branching stems, helping fill spaces between plants during the growing season.​

​Newly planted Alternanthera needs regular watering while its roots become established. Once established, maintain moderate soil moisture and water when the upper soil begins to dry. Avoid prolonged standing water, particularly during Southwest Florida's rainy season.​

​Alternanthera grows quickly during warm weather and responds well to trimming. Cutting back long stems encourages branching and helps maintain even coverage throughout landscape beds. Frost can damage its leaves and stems, so protected locations are recommended.​

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Why You'll Love It​

Year-Round Foliage Color: Red, purple, burgundy, green, and multicolored varieties provide landscape color without depending on seasonal flowers.​

Fast-Growing Coverage: Spreading stems fill open areas between larger plants, helping establish continuous foliage coverage.​

Low-Growing Borders: Compact varieties provide color along garden edges without blocking taller landscape plants.​

Mass Planting Options: Can be planted in groups to create consistent areas of foliage color throughout larger landscape beds.​

Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with brighter light generally supporting stronger leaf color.​

Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and moderate moisture during active growth.​

Mature Size: Approximately 6–24 inches tall and 12–36 inches wide, depending on the variety.​

Best Uses: Landscape edging, mass plantings, palm and shrub beds, front yard borders, patio containers, and mixed foliage gardens.​