LITTLE ROCK — “You’ve got to take a picture,” said my wife as we entered the small city of McRae, Ga. This was rare considering all of the times I’ve made the family stop to look at flowers, but this cityscape of several Brazilian red hot plants and lime green Joseph’s coats was just too much to pass up.
Not only was the bed incredible but the plants were growing in front of a wonderfully painted mural. Considering that my region of the country had been under oppressive heat and has had virtually no rain is just further testimony to these vibrant plants’ durability.
The lime green Joseph’s coats, which reach about 12 inches, and the taller 3-foot Brazilian red hot plants are related; they’re both species of Alternanthera. The Brazilian red hot, Alternanthera dentata, has the common name calico plant. The color, however, is a combination of iridescent hot pink and red. They will light up a garden like few other foliage plants. Both species are native to Mexico and South America.
These plants really are as exceptional in the fall garden as they are in the spring and summer. While McRaewould be enjoying them for several more weeks, most of the country will need to wait until spring to plant them. At first appearance, the foliage might make you think they need protection from the hot sun, but this could not be further from the truth.
Select a location with plenty of sunlight and plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Soggy beds will lead to less than satisfactory performance. Improve drainage and aeration by amending the soil with 3 to 4 inches of organic matter. Planting on raised beds with a landscape soil mix the way professionals do is a wonderfully easy way to conquer poor soil.
These plants are most often sold as 6-inch containergrown transplants. If you like the idea of this partnership, set the Brazilian red hot plants at the back of the border, spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. You’ll want to space the lime green Joseph’s coats about 10 inches apart but 24 inches from the Brazilian red hot plants, which will eventually reach the size of small shrubs.
Since they have the ability to perform for the entire growing season, a little supplemental water during prolonged dry periods will pay dividends with healthierlooking plants. Give your combination planting a little feeding with a slow-release fertilizer three times during the summer and early fall.
These are really low-maintenance plants. You can shear or snip the lime green plants to create a uniform appearance. Though not normally a problem, leggy Brazilian red hot plants can be pinched to create a bushier plant.
In addition to the partnership I have been touting, they also work well in combination with bananas, upright elephant ears and the new SunPatiens (New Guinea impatiens) to create a tropical paradise.
When it’s time to select spring bedding plants, you’ll find that you have a lot of choices. Put the Brazilian red hot and Joseph’s coat at the top of your list for a long season of dazzling color.
Norman Winter is vice president for college advancement, Brewton Parker College, Mount Vernon, Ga., and author of Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South.
HomeStyle, Pages 41 on 10/23/2010