Calico Plant
Alternanthera ficoidea
Alternanthera ficoidea bears vivid, multicoloured leaves and is grown as ground cover in warm climates. Frost-tender, it performs best in sheltered, sunny positions.
Attributes
Care guide
In Cyprus
This is Alternanthera ficoidea ‘Red Carpet’, a cultivar that NC State describes as having red leaves. It is a warm-climate plant that is sensitive to frost, so plant it in spring once the risk of cold has passed. Where frost occurs it is often treated as a seasonal plant or overwintered under cover; each site should be judged on its local microclimate. For the species, NC State recommends full sun to partial shade and soil rich in organic matter that stays moist but drains well. Leaf colour is usually strongest in sun, but in very hot summers in full exposure the leaves may bleach. In summer it needs regular watering, according to soil moisture and weather.
Uses in gardens and projects
A low, spreading and fast-growing plant. The red foliage of ‘Red Carpet’ makes strong colour bands in bedding schemes, roundabouts, parks and hotel gardens, and it works as ground cover, low edging and in pots and window boxes. For ground cover, NC State suggests spacing plants about 10–23 cm apart. Pinching back the shoots makes it bushier. The flowers are small and insignificant; the plant is grown for its foliage.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Alternanthera frost hardy?
- No, it is frost-tender. Plant it after the risk of cold has passed, and in frost-prone areas treat it as seasonal or protect it over winter.
- How tall does Alternanthera ‘Red Carpet’ grow?
- It stays low. NC State gives no separate height for ‘Red Carpet’; for the species Alternanthera ficoidea it gives about 15–30 cm tall and 30–45 cm wide.
- Sun or shade?
- Full sun to partial shade. The red colour is usually stronger in sun, but in very hot summers the leaves may bleach.
- How often should I water it?
- It prefers moist, well-drained soil. As a bedding plant it needs regular watering in summer, according to soil moisture and weather.
Available Sizes
Need this plant for your project?
Choose an available size and quantity and add the plant to your quote cart. Wholesale, quote-based — no public prices.