Alternanthera

As tropical gardening has increased in popularity, so too has this striking, dark purple-leafed plant. It has vigorous, upright and spreading purple leaves and stems that arch over the edge of containers and are excellent when used as mid-height bedding in a summer border. The plant will grow in both sun and shade but it performs best and has darkest foliage in full sun. It can also be grown from seed: sow the seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date.