Joseph's coat, calico plant, copperleaf and Joy weed are all very descriptive common names of the plant genus Alternanthera, which is part of the Amaranth family.
A coleus look-alike, this genus has about 200 varieties and is native to the tropical areas of the West Indies, South America, Africa, Mexico and Australia. Of these common names, Joseph's coat is the most recognized.
Vibrant, colored foliage
Have toothed leaves
The vibrant cultivars Little Ruby and Brazilian Red Hots have the epithet of "A. dentata" that refers to the toothed leaves that can be ovate to linear-lanceolate shaped.
Recently, both of these cultivars were named to the esteemed list of Texas Superstars, which have gone through extensive testing by AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturists in various parts of the state and need to be considered beautiful, strong and worthwhile plants for Texas landscapes.
Considered per-annuals
Both of these cultivars are considered per-annuals. This is a category of plants that was dubbed by Jerry Parsons, horticultural specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension-San Antonio and "Plant Answer" author, and other selection team members. It refers to tropical plants used as annuals.
In my opinion, this category refers to annuals that can be called short-lived perennials when there is not any freezing temperatures. Both of these plants were planted at the Master Gardener Victoria Educational Gardens in September last year - and did well until the recent freeze. I did take a few broken branches from Little Ruby when planted at Victoria Educational Gardens and it was very easy to propagate in my greenhouse.
Little Ruby
Little Ruby, which was named a Texas Superstar in July 2015, grows 12-15 inches tall and spreads 14-16 inches wide. It is impressive when used as a groundcover or in baskets because of its trailing feature.
The leaves are oval-shaped with burgundy tops and ruby red undersides. Once established, they are heat-tolerant and love humidity. This sounds perfect for our South Texas region.
Insignificant flowers on Little Ruby are white, and some people suggest removing them since they take away from the foliage color.
Brazilian Red Hots
Brazilian Red Hots, which was designated a Texas Superstar in June 2016, is taller than Little Ruby, growing 24-36 inches high and at maturity spreads 12-18 inches. The variegated leaves are pointed and range in color from fuchsia to rose shades with hot pink edges.
Pinching the branches back in late spring and at the end of summer will produce a better mounding shape and help reduce legginess.
Ball-shaped white flowers on the 'Brazilian Red Hots' are present in late winter and in some areas year round.
Planting suggestions
It is best to plant Little Ruby and Brazilian Red Hots in the spring after danger of frost or later in summer or fall in warmer areas. They should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich with organic matter. The soil should be moist but plants will die if in standing water.
According to David Rodriquez, AgriLife Extension agent from Bexar County and a member of the superstar selection team, you should use a slow release fertilizer at planting and maybe every two weeks or so you can supplement with a water soluble fertilizer.
Little Ruby and Brazilian Red Hots should be planted in full sun for the best show of the foliage color. If planted in partial shade, the foliage color will be more greenish and not as showy. Partial shade in the afternoon will benefit the plant in the hot days of summer.
Recommended uses
Little Ruby can be used as a border's edge, in mass plantings, hanging baskets or containers. The burgundy foliage works well with plants with yellow, gold, white or pink blooms.
Brazilian Red Hots can be used as a stand-alone plant, in mass plantings and in containers. They will complement with other superstars like angelonia, vincas, butterfly pentas and baby's breath.
Both do well as house plants.
Propagation
Most alternantheras can be propagated with herbaceous cuttings of the new growth either in soil or water. According to Dave's garden website, flowers are sterile and do not reproduce or if seeds do develop they will not be true to the plant.
Insect/disease problems
There are no serious insect or disease problems with either of these plants.
Availability
I have checked with several nurseries and other stores in town, and they feel like they will have these later in spring. Lon Smith, of West Farms, is growing both cultivars, and they will be ready in March. Both of these plants will add a burst of color to your flower beds or hanging planters this season.
The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.
