About

Alternanthera dentata 'Royal Tapestry' is a perennial evergreen that can be cultivated indoors or used as a bedding plant. Its leaves are a deep green, accented with shades of purple and bronze, while the undersides are a vivid purple. In the fall, it produces small white flowers that are not particularly prominent.

About the genus

Alternanthera encompasses both bushy annuals and perennials known for their vibrant foliage and inconspicuous flowers.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1C

Plant details

Plant type
Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical

Care notes

Cultivation
Under glass grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Outdoors plant out after any risk of frost has passed in moist, well-drained soil in full sun for best leaf colour, or semi-shade
Pruning
Clip over to maintain compactness
Propagation
Divide in spring or take softwood cuttings in late summer, overwintering young plants in a warm greenhouse
Pest resistance
Glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free