Alternanthera ficoidea 'Yellow Form' (Joseph's coat, Parrot leaf)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

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Botanical Name: Alternanthera ficoidea 'Yellow Form' all-ter-NAN-ther-ah fih-KOY-dee-ah Common Name: Joseph's coat, Parrot leaf Genus: Alternanthera

'Yellow Form' Alternanthera is an easy-to-grow, tropical plant with a fast-spreading habit and pointed, chartreuse-yellow leaves. It forms a mat of color from spring's frost-free date to fall's first frost. Like others of this genus, it makes a great edging, bedding, or container plant. In formal landscapes, it can be used in a knot garden. It looks great with dark-leaved plants.
Noteworthy characteristics: Likes heat. Bright golden, pointed leaves. Compact growth.
Care: May be grown as a houseplant or overwintered in a greenhouse. Outdoors, plant out after spring's last frost and grow in moist but well-drained soil and full sun for best leaf color. Can take partial shade. Pinch back to retain compact form.
Propagation: Sow seed at 55° to 64°F in spring or as soon as ripe. Divide in spring. Take cuttings in late summer.
Problems: Generally trouble-free, although spider mites and Fusarium wilt may occur.

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Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

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