Varieties We Bring In
Choco Chili · Little Ruby · Brazilian Red Hot · Joseph's Coat
We received some Alternanthera on Sep 14, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Sep 14, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew
Pet safety guideAbout Alternanthera
Alternanthera (Alternanthera dentata) is a tropical perennial from South America grown as a warm-season annual in Northeast Florida for its vivid burgundy, chocolate-red, or purple foliage. Its compact, mounding habit and intensely colored leaves — best in full sun — make it a staple for tropical bedding displays, borders, and container combinations from spring through first frost.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Perennial
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May.
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant Alternanthera in full sun for the most intense foliage color; it tolerates part shade but colors become muted. Northeast Florida's full summer sun is ideal for this tropical foliage plant.
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil; avoid letting plants wilt, which dulls foliage color. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and reduce irrigation frequency in Florida's sandy soils.
Performs well in sandy to loamy, well-drained soils. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to sustain vigorous color; pinch tips regularly to maintain a compact, bushy form.
Similar needs
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Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Alternanthera a good plant for St. Augustine?
Alternanthera is a perennial. Mature size: 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet. Light: Full Sun, Part Shade. Water needs: Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a. Recorded salt tolerance: moderate.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.