Holly Chichester
Family
Amaranthaceae
Botanical Name
Alternanthera 'Brazilian Red Hots'
Plant Common Name
Alternanthera, Calico Plant
General Description
Brilliant color and good heat tolerance is an irresistible combination, and ‘Brazilian Red Hots’ delivers both. This hybrid tender perennial is fully evergreen and boasts vibrant variegated foliage with purplish centers and fuchsia edges. Each elliptical leaf has a wavy texture. Throughout the year, it produces clover-like clusters of small, white flowers, but these are insignificant and fade against the electric color of the leaves.
For best foliar color, plant ‘Brazilian Red Hots’ in full sun; bright light and heat improve the intensity of the foliage color. Well-drained but moist soil is ideal. Joyweed does not tolerant periods of drought, so be sure to provide it with even moisture. This selection is frost sensitive and can only be grown as an outdoor perennial in subtropical to tropical areas, though it can be grown as a seasonal annual, houseplant or greenhouse specimen in temperate areas with cold winters. Pinch or head back the plants to maintain a dense, tidy habit.
Joyweed is a great foliage plant for hot, sunny gardens. It makes an eye-catching groundcover when planted in masses and thrives in containers.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Pink, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Pink, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Pink, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple, Pink, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
