- Partial Sun to Full Sun (5+ hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 10-16 Inches
- Mature Width 12-20 Inches
- Use as a Filler in Containers
Alternanthera is an improved hybrid of the low growing plant commonly known as alligator weed. This plant will not take over your garden, it is a beautiful plum colored foliar that is used in landscapes and container gardens for its intense color and form. Plant in large containers as an alternative to ipomoea for a smaller leaf display. Its whorls of purple green leaves reach for the sky in full sun to light shade gardens.
Native to temperate regions of South America Zones 10a to 11b, Plum Dandy alternanthera will grow as an annual in Zones 3-9. It is not tolerant of frost so set it out after danger of the last frost for best performance. It tolerates heat, but appreciates a little afternoon shade in hot regions with long hot afternoon sun. It makes a beautiful house plant over winter and provides much needed color in your window garden.
Proven Accents Plum Dandy Alternanthera Care
This hybrid annual falls in the easy to maintain category. Average soil needs, average watering schedule, soil pH of 5.5 to 5.8, slightly acidic, are all it needs to provide you with deep rich purple foliage for your garden. It is not susceptible to many plant diseases and insects don’t seem to bother it. It has insignificant small white flowers but is grown for its purple foliage.
Deadheading is not necessary, but a good shearing once or twice a season will keep it shapely and within its bounds. Its medium mounding habit makes it a great compliment to tall grasses in your perennial garden. It thrives in high light environments and may get leggy if not given enough sun during the day.
Proven Accents Plum Dandy Alternanthera Spacing
Topping out at 16 inches and spreading up to 20 inches, space plantings about 12 to 14 inches apart to allow good airflow, a necessity for most annuals and perennials. Pair this mounding annual with penistemon, lantana, petunia, helichrysum, verbena, vinca and tall accent grasses for an outstanding spring to fall display.
Proven Accents® Plum Dandy Alternanthera Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 |
Flower Color(s): Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Color(s) Purple, Black |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
Height Class: Medium |
Mature Height: 10-16 Inches |
Mature Spread: 12-20 Inches |
Spacing: 12-14 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Container Role: Filler |
Use Types: Container, Landscape |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Maintenance: Easy |
Scientific Name: Alternanthera hybrid 'Plum Dandy' |
Common Name: Proven Accents® Plum Dandy Alternanthera |
Other Name(s): Alligator weed |
Plant Type: Annual |
Brand: Proven Selections |
- SKU:
- ALTPDP45
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.