Plum Dandy™ Alternanthera Plant

Depth and drama in a sweet, simple package: that is what the Alternanthera Plum Dandy™ by Proven Winners® delivers in spades! There is something a bit mesmerizing about the sweet, oval shaped leaves that seem to lead the eye in as they graduate from a dark, muted green to a deep, rich burgundy.  This heat tolerant plant can be shaped with shears if you are feeling artistic, or simply added to the landscape or containers as a way to add interest and color to your arrangements.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 8-12 inches apart, depending on the variety

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 5.5-6.5

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness
• - Trim to maintain desired shape and size

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites
• - Monitor for diseases such as leaf spot and root rot

Foliage Indicators:

• - Known for its colorful foliage rather than flowers

Light Requirements:

• - Needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color development

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Can tolerate heat but may require more frequent watering
• - Not frost-hardy; protect or bring indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F

Companion Plants for Alternanthera:

Alternanthera pairs well with a variety of complementary plants that share similar growing conditions. Some excellent companions include:

• - Coleus: These colorful foliage plants complement Alternanthera's vibrant leaves
• - Caladium: Another foliage plant that adds interesting texture and color contrast
• - Begonias: These versatile plants offer both colorful foliage and flowers
• - Impatiens: Provide a pop of flower color in shaded areas
• - Euphorbia: Adds interesting texture and complements Alternanthera's growth habit