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Purple Knight and Brazilian Red Hot sizzle in the hot summer garden

By Norman Winter, McClatchy-Tribune News Service, Source: MCT News Service

It seems today everyone is searching for those plants that perform from the minute they are planted until killing frost takes them out. If you find yourself in that group then you'll welcome Purple Knight and Brazilian Red Hot both varieties of alternanthera. You'll also relish in the fact that these are only two of several new varieties reaching your local garden center in the last few years.

Botanically speaking they are both Alternanthera dentata. If you are not familiar with that name then consider them to be like Joseph's coats on steroids. The name Brazilian Red Hot indeed gives the clue they are native to South America and Mexico.

These plants will be riveting in your garden because of their eye catching foliage. In the case of Purple Knight the leaves are such a deep dark purple they would almost pass for black. With this color you'll be able to combine just about any other color of flower or foliage and have them literally dazzle. One striking partnership I had the opportunity to photograph had them growing behind a drift of Torch Red Ember gaillardia. The fiery red and yellow stood out against the sea of dark black purple.

The Brazilian Red Hot garnered awards in almost every trial in the country. The leaves are smaller than Purple Knight but the iridescent shades of red hot pink and magenta make this plant look like it is on fire. In the trials I worked with the August sun and heat only made it ever more sizzling. I've seen great combinations with yellow lantanas, and a gaudy but dashing partnership with Blue Wave petunias. Almost any color will work with this plant other than orange. Look also for selection called Summer Flame with the same intense colors.

I compared these to Joseph's coats and some sell them under that name. Expect them to easily reach 24 to 36 inches which will make them great as a backdrop for your other flowers. Space your plants about 18 to 24 inches apart and they will quickly fill in. They will fit in any style of garden from grand ma's cottage to the look of the islands. Try them in front of large bananas or upright elephant ears.

Like the small Joseph's coats you may be most familiar with they do need fertile well drained soil. They can take anything summer can dish out but they do not want to sit in wet soggy soil. They can still perform with a little mid-afternoon shade but in the full sun they reach their true potential.

These are very low maintenance plants. Feed your plants with light applications of a slow release fertilizer, about three times during the summer and early fall. Though they are drought tolerant supplemental water during prolonged dry periods will keep them looking their best. If at any time you don't like their size or shape feel free to cut back. New growth will quickly begin.

Though I have been touting them for the garden their habit lends them to being used in mixed containers. Their colorful foliage will enhance the colors of all other flowers around. The relatively new selection called Royal Tapestry is a little shorter and has a habit that allows the partners to intermingle in artistic fashion.

These new alternantheras promise to give you the maximum value for your gardening dollar this season. Put them high on your list.

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(Winter is vice president for college advancement, Brewton Parker College, Mount Vernon, Ga., and author of the highly acclaimed "Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South" and his newest release, "Captivating Combinations Color and Style in the Garden.")

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(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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PHOTOS (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): ongardening