Parrotleaf (Alligator Weed, Joseph’s–Coat, Joyweed)
Alternanthera ficoidea. AMARANTHACEAE.
Planting and Growing Parrotleaf
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow parrotleaf in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of parrotleaf
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for parrotleaf
- Season of bloom and planting time for parrotleaf
- When, how deep, and where to plant parrotleaf
- How to plant parrotleaf
- Watering, fertilizing, care and pests or diseases of parrotleaf
- Landscape and container uses of parrotleaf
- Comments about parrotleaf and its features
Growing Parrotleaf
Several cultivars of fast-growing, low, trailing, perennial herbs, 6–15 in. (15–38 cm) tall. Shiny, green, orange, pink, red, white, variegated, oval, pointed leaves, 2–3 in. (50–75 mm) long, color-splashed and deeply veined, on creeping stems.
Common cultivars include Alternanthera ficoidea ‘Amoena’, with orange, red veins; ‘Bettzickiana’, with red, yellow, variegated leaves; and ‘Versicolor’, with round, copper red leaves.
Planting and Care Guide
Blooms
Insignificant cream, white flowers; grown primarily for foliage.
Best Climates
Tender. Plant as annual, zones 3–7; ground hardy, zones 8–11. Color best in warm climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained humus or, in water features, shoreline sites. Fertility: Rich. 6.0–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in full sun to partial shade, 4–10 in. (10–25 cm) apart, after frost hazard has passed.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep evenly moist until established. Fertilize monthly. Pinch, shear foliage to control growth, prevent bloom. Propagate by cuttings, division, seed.
About This Plant
Good choice for beds, borders, ground covers, massed plantings in formal, natural gardens and water feature shorelines. Good for tropical effects. Pest and disease resistant. Salt susceptible.