Purple Knight Alternanthera Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight'
ABOUT
Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight' is a visually striking plant that is widely recognized for its rich, purple to burgundy foliage. The leaves have a broad, elliptical shape and boast a slightly wavy or ruffled texture, which adds to their visual appeal. Each leaf is deep purple with some hints of dark green shading, and the contrast is quite noticeable, giving the plant a royal and lush appearance. This cultivar tends to have a bushy growth habit, contributing to a dense and full appearance that can fill in garden spaces quite effectively. The foliage tends to spread outward with a cascading tendency, making it an excellent choice for both ground cover and container gardens. During its growing season, 'Purple Knight' might also produce small, inconspicuous white to pale pink flowers. These flowers are often hidden beneath the dense canopy of stunning purple leaves, which are clearly the main attraction of this plant. 'Purple Knight' tends to thrive in warm climates and its vibrant hue of foliage can be even more pronounced when placed under the full sun, although it can also handle some partial shade. The bold coloring and versatile growth habit of 'Purple Knight' makes it a popular choice for gardeners who want to introduce a touch of dramatic color and texture to their landscaped areas or patios.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaranthaceae.
Synonyms
Purple Knight Alternanthera, Ruby Leaf Alternanthera, Purple Knight Joyweed, Brazilian Red Hots.
Common names
Alternanthera brasiliana, Alternanthera jacquini, Alternanthera jacquinii, Alternanthera mauve, Alternanthera tenella, Alternanthera ficoidea 'Purple Prince', Gomphrena brasiliana, Gomphrena dentata, Gomphrena jacquinii, Gomphrena tenella, Telanthera brasiliana, Telanthera dentata, Telanthera ficoidea.
ToxicityTo humans
Purple Knight is not known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption, as they can cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Purple Knight is not specifically listed as toxic to pets. However, as with humans, it is generally advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this or any ornamental plants, as they can cause gastrointestinal upset or other digestive issues. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant and shows signs of distress, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight', commonly known as Purple Knight, has vibrant purple foliage that adds color contrast and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Purple Knight is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for areas with water restrictions or dry climates.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of settings including borders, ground covers, and container gardens, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Heat Resistance: Purple Knight can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for hot climates and summer gardens.
- Fast Growth: The plant grows quickly, providing rapid coverage and gratification in landscaping projects.
- Season-Long Color: It offers a long season of color from spring through fall, maintaining its vibrant hue throughout the growing season.
- Wildlife Attraction: While not a major attractor of wildlife, it can still provide shelter and some food source for insects and birds in the ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Due to its striking purple foliage, Purple Knight is often used as a vibrant subject in garden photography and plant portraiture.
- Crafting: The colorful leaves of Purple Knight can be used in crafting, such as pressed leaf art or botanical prints for home decor.
- Fabric Dyeing: The pigments from Purple Knight leaves can be used in natural fabric dyeing processes to impart a unique color to textiles.
- Theme Gardens: Purple Knight can contribute to themed garden designs, such as 'gothic' or 'vampire' gardens, with its deep purple hues setting a specific mood.
- Seasonal Decorations: The leaves can be used in fall arrangements or as part of Halloween decorations to add a touch of natural, yet unusual, color contrast.
- Culinary Presentation: While not known for being edible, the leaves can be used as a garnish for exotic dishes to enhance presentation.
- Landscape Painting: Artists may use Purple Knight as a subject for landscape paintings or as inspiration for fantastical landscapes due to its otherworldly color.
- Color Therapy Gardens: Purple Knight might be included in gardens designed for color therapy, which relies on the psychological effects of different colors.
- Education: This plant can be featured in educational programs about plant varieties, diversity, and breeding to demonstrate how cultivation can alter plant characteristics.
- Contrast in Floral Arrangements: The unique purple color can provide a strong contrast in cut flower arrangements when paired with brighter, lighter flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purple Knight is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Purple Knight is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Royalty: The deep purple color of Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight', often associated with nobility and luxury, symbolizes royalty and regal grace.
- Mystery: Purple often represents the unknown and the mysterious. The rich hues of this plant may evoke a sense of enigma and wonder.
- Creativity: Purple Knight's striking appearance can signify originality and the imagination, celebrating artistic and creative expression.
- Devotion: As the plant requires attentive care to maintain its vibrant color, it may symbolize dedication and a commitment to nurturing relationships or projects.
- Transformation: Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight' can represent change and transformation, as it can be used to dramatically alter the aesthetics of a garden space.
WaterJoseph's Coat requires consistent moisture, so it's best to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. This typically translates to watering once a week, but frequency can vary based on temperature and climate conditions. When watering, do so thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, indicating the soil is fully saturated. During very hot periods, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Aim for a total of approximately 1-2 gallons per week for an outdoor plant in a garden setting, adjusting as necessary based on weather conditions.
LightJoseph's Coat thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, which encourages the most vibrant foliage colors. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window to ensure it gets sufficient light.
TemperatureJoseph's Coat prefers warm conditions and is suitable for growing in USDA zones 10 through 11. The ideal temperature range is between 55°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of 40°F, but frost or prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can seriously damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Joseph's Coat helps to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Cut back the tips of the stems periodically throughout the growing season, which can be done every few weeks or as needed when the plant begins to look leggy. The best time for major pruning is in the early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPurple Knight, commonly known as Joseph's Coat, thrives best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of peat, compost, and perlite or sand can be ideal. The plant benefits from a consistent soil moisture level, but it is important to avoid waterlogging. Fertilize regularly during the growing season for optimal growth.
RepottingJoseph's Coat should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growth. When repotting, choose a container that is one size larger than the current one to allow for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingJoseph's Coat prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level between 40% and 60% for best growth, as too dry conditions can lead to leaf drop and wilt, while too much humidity can encourage fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, warm temps, and moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, well-draining soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleAlternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight', commonly known as Purple Knight Alternanthera, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in warm temperatures. Following germination, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic purple-tinted foliage and begins to establish a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, Purple Knight Alternanthera experiences rapid growth, producing stems and leaves vigorously in response to ample sunlight and moisture. Upon reaching maturity, the plant displays small white flowers, although it is primarily grown for its vibrant foliage rather than its floral display. After flowering, if conditions favor pollination, seeds are produced which can be dispersed to facilitate the next generation. Finally, as an annual or tender perennial depending on the climate, the plant completes its life cycle with senescence, where it deteriorates after seeding or upon the arrival of cold temperatures, though it can survive as a perennial in frost-free environments.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The best time to propagate Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight', commonly known as Purple Knight Joseph's Coat, is during the warmer months of spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method for propagating this colorful foliage plant is through stem cuttings. To propagate Purple Knight Joseph's Coat, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) long section. Remove the lower leaves to expose a clear length of stem. The cut end of the stem should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Next, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Place the cutting in a warm, brightly-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
