Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Amaranthaceae
Botanical Name
ALTERNANTHERA dentata 'Rubiginosa'
Plant Common Name
Calico Plant, Christmas Clover, Joyweed
General Description
Christmas Clover joyweed is a tender perennial from the West Indies and Brazil grown for it deep maroon foliage and heat tolerance. The leaves are lance to oval shaped with toothed margins. The insignificant flowers are white, without petals, grouped together and look like clover.
Joyweed is frost sensitive and grown as a perennial only in very warm areas. Grow it as an annual, houseplant or greenhouse specimen in cooler climates. Plant in full sun, bright light and heat improve the color intensity of the foliage. The soil should be well-drained but moist, joyweed does not tolerant drying. Pinch or head back to maintain dense, spreading plants. Joyweed is a great, tough plant for hot gardens and dramatic color in beds, borders and hanging baskets.
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Spreading
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Insignificant
-
Flower Color
White
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Rose, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Rose, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Rose, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Rose, Burgundy
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
