Joseph's coat is a tropical perennial typically grown as an annual in the Amaranthaceae (buckwheat) family native to the West Indies and South America. The genus name comes from the Latin words alternans meaning alternating and anthera meaning anther. Alternate anthers in the genus are barren. Specific epithet dentata means toothed referring to the toothed leaves. The common name Joseph's coat is a biblical reference to Joephis many colored coat because of the striking leaves on this plant. Plant in rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soil and this plant will reach 6 to 12 inches high. The best leaf color appears when in full sun. It has a spreaching habit so pinch stem ends to promote more compact growth. This plant is showy from spring until the first frost. It is known for its bright colorful foliage that ranges from burgundy, white, pink, to chartreuse, or purple. Excellent choice for containers on a patio, in the front of an annual border or bedding plants in a cottage garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.