Alternanthera as Alternative for Coleus in Hot Sun

 One of my favorite foliage plants, Alternanthera is brightest in full sun, will grow in part shade. Less of a water hog than coleus. You may know one of these plants as Joseph's Coat, Calico Plant, Parrot Leaf, Christmas Clover or any of a number of common names. Perennial here; cooler climates treat it as an annual. I usually keep a coffee mug filled with water and stuffed with 'Yellow Form'  inside over winter and plant the rooted cuttings after frost.

Alternanthera ficoidea 'Yellow Form' -- I call it 'Chartreuse'

Alternanthera here with Purple Heart and some young plants of Verbena on a Stick.

A. dentata ‘Rubiginosa’

Rubiginosa is a big plant, good for covering 

ankles of climbing roses; weaves through its

companions.  

A. ficoidea ‘Bettzichiana’

Pretty in summer, in fall it turns deep red. 

Here with Yellow Lantana and a young 

Pride of Barbados.

I am waiting for Pride of Barbados to bloom like this one in the Fiesta Bed:

Today's Butterfly, Gulf Frit on Tithonia:

Hot, Hot Hot! Tropicalismo!