ItSaul Plants
Family
Amaranthaceae
Botanical Name
ALTERNANTHERA 'Raspberry Rum'
Plant Common Name
Alternanthera
General Description
Bright color and good heat tolerance is an irresistible combination, and 'Raspberry Rum' delivers both. This garden hybrid is an evergreen tender perennial and boasts showy purplish burgundy leaves with splashes of fuchsia-red. Each elliptical leaf is different. Throughout the year, the spreading, bushy plant produces clover-like clusters of small, white flowers, but these are insignificant and offer little interest when compared to the spectacular color of the leaves.
For best foliar color, plant 'Raspberry Rum' in full to partial 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.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
-
Width
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm
-
Bloom Time
Indeterminate
-
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Insignificant
-
Flower Color
White
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Purple, Pink, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Red, Purple, Pink, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Purple, Pink, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Red, Purple, Pink, Burgundy
-
Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
