- 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:
- ALTPDP
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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