Alternanthera Purple Knight - Joseph's Coat

The Purple Knight Alternanthera is an unknown plant, rarely offered when it comes to creating floral compositions in which its entirely purple to violet vegetation works wonders. Cultivated as an annual in our climates, this frost-sensitive plant forms a large, bushy and flexible tuft of remarkable colour in just one season, which enhances all its neighbors, whether it is planted in a pot, in flower boxes, hanging or in the ground in a temporary flower bed. An aficionado of heat, a hundred times more beautiful in full sun, 'Purple Knight' is easily grown in a good potting soil that stays moist. In the ground, the alternanthera tolerates relatively dry soils.

Belonging to the chenopodiaceae family, the Alternanthera dentata is related to spinach and amaranth. Native to the West Indies and Brazil, it is a perennial herbaceous plant that perishes below -1°C (30.2°F). With rapid growth, it forms a spreading tuft that will reach about 45 cm (18in) in height and spread over a minimum of 70 cm (28in) on the ground. In 'Purple Knight', growth starts as soon as temperatures rise, in April-May. The stems and leaves are entirely coloured in shades of red, purple, violet, and almost black in full sun, more bronzed in semi-shaded exposure. The leaves, with a satin appearance, are elongated and pointed, finely toothed, and reveal a reverse side of striking ruby red. The summer flowering consists of small inconspicuous pompom-shaped red flowers that appear in the axils of the leaves. It is undoubtedly for its decorative foliage that this annual is cultivated.

Magnificent in pots, Purple Knight Alternanthera can also be used to create sumptuous borders along paths or flower beds. It will be used as a contrasting plant to accompany light foliage (columbines, chamomiles, Diamond Frost Euphorbia), gray or white plants (sea cineraria, Senecio Angel Wings, Silver Falls Dichondra), golden tones, as well as all annual or perennial flowers. In a large hanging basket, combine it with bright blue lobelias and a pink petunia, for example. In a different style, pair it with a pink verbena, an orange marigold, and a red pendula begonia. At the base of a tree, this plant will also create magnificent temporary carpets. With large purple sedums (Purple Emperor), this Alternanthera will add tremendous charm to the late season.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, replant them as soon as possible, in pots, flower boxes, or directly in flower beds.