| Alternanthera |
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Alternanthera
is the botanical name for a small group
of dwarf, tender plants native to tropical
America.
The
name is derived from two Latin words; altenans,
which means alternating, and anther, referring
to the fact that anthers are sterile. Alternanthera
belongs to the amaranthus family.
This
plant group includes many water-loving varieties.
Like coleus, it's the foliage that makes
this a superb plant for the border, or containers.
Alteranantheras are going through a frenzy
of cross breeding now and this results in
many new, colorful choices at gardening
centers.
Alternantheras
cascade over the edges of a planting area
or container so they are suited for mid
borders with "pooling" plants
underneath or in a hanging basket type container.
They are also easily sheared so can be used
in the front of borders, where they thrive
being planted four to five inches apart
and sheared at four to six inches in height.
Although
they're native to zones 8-11, you can often
hold them over winter by taking them inside
or by heavily mulching them in less warm
climates. They can be propagated by division
in early autumn or spring. Take softwood
cuttings and root in moist sand at 65 degree
temps.
Good
container planter combinations are blue
or yellow hostas, coleus, New Guinea impatiens,
bacopa, torenia, hanging geraniums, fuchsias,
and any phormiums for height.
Try
alternantheras, if you haven't, this spring
and enjoy them all winter indoors!
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