Alternanthera
Alternanthera brasiliana
Varieties We Bring In
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.
About 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. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Perennial
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
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
African Iris
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Agapanthus
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Bird of Paradise
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Crinum Lily
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Daylily
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Flax Lily
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 for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet.
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.