Alternanthera dentata
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- al-ter-NAN-ther-a den-TAY-ta
- Description
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Alternanthera dentata is a tropical perennial typically grown as an annual, known for its colorful foliage that ranges from burgundy to purple. Genus name comes from the Latin words alternans meaning alternating and anthera meaning anther. Alternate anthers in the genus are barren. Specific epithet means toothed for the toothed leaves. Alternanthera dentata like rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soil. It has best leaf color when in full sun. Pinch stem ends to promote compact bushiness.
Season: Spring to frost
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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'Brazilian Red Hots'
- 'Little Ruby'
- Purple Knight
- Snow Queen
Bright red-pink variegated leaves - 'Little Ruby'
- 'Brazilian Red Hots', 'Little Ruby', Purple Knight, Snow Queen
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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'Brazilian Red Hots'
- 'Little Ruby'
- Purple Knight
- Snow Queen
Bright red-pink variegated leaves - 'Little Ruby'
- 'Brazilian Red Hots', 'Little Ruby', Purple Knight, Snow Queen
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Alternanthera
- Species:
- dentata
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- West Indies and Brazil
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- Fruit type is technically a utricle, a type of achene.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Insignificant
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Flower's color are white to greenish.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Purple to burgandy leaves in a linear-lanceolate to ovate shape. Boldest color comes in full sun.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Patio
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
