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

Alternanthera ficoidea 'Yellow Form' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers, Indoor Plant, Suitable as Annual
Style Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Perennials,Tropicals

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