Brazilian joyweed (Alternanthera brasiliana 'Purple Prince')

Overview

Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’, commonly known as Brazilian joyweed, is prized for its intensely colored, glossy, deep burgundy foliage. This cultivar provides exceptional mass color and texture contrast in beds and containers, making it a standout annual choice where winter protection is needed. It is a heat-tolerant selection, ensuring vibrant color throughout the hottest months of the growing season.

As a member of the Amaranthaceae family, this plant thrives under consistent conditions but is adaptable. While its native cousins can sometimes spread aggressively, ‘Purple Prince’ offers a more compact form, reaching about 16 inches tall and spreading to fill a 20-inch footprint. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance needs of Brazilian joyweed, especially when established in appropriate light conditions.

Although it typically flowers only sparingly when treated as an annual, its primary landscape value lies entirely in its superb leaf coloration. Plant the striking foliage of Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ where you need reliable, rich color from planting until frost.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.25 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-1.75 ft
• Bloom Time: March to May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Brazilian joyweed after all danger of frost has passed, placing it in a location that receives full sun for the most intense leaf color. It prefers evenly moist, well-drained soils, though this heat-tolerant cultivar exhibits some tolerance for moderate drought once its roots are established. Good drainage is essential to prevent rot, especially during winter dormancy if left in the ground in marginally hardy zones.

Water needs are medium; regular irrigation will significantly increase overall plant performance and vigor during dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is reasonably fertile, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting can support robust summer growth. Pruning is generally not required for ‘Purple Prince’ due to its naturally compact and dense habit, though light shearing can encourage bushiness if needed.

In warmer climates (Zones 9-11), focus on monitoring for pests like spider mites or thrips during dry periods. If grown as an annual outside these zones, simply remove and discard the plants at first frost. Always double-check local regulations, as some related species within the genus have the potential to become weedy escapees.

Landscape Uses

Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ is incredibly versatile when used as a vibrant accent or mass planting. It excels as a colorful edger along pathways or the front of mixed borders, where its dark foliage dramatically sets off lighter green or yellow-leafed companions. Mass planting Brazilian joyweed creates a bold, uniform sweep of burgundy that functions almost like a living mulch.

For gardeners outside Zones 9-11, this plant serves perfectly as a season-long annual bedding filler. Its compact structure makes it highly suitable for container gardening regimes, offering year-round color when grouped with contrasting textures like silvery Dusty Miller or bright calibrachoa. The dark tones allow colorful flowers planted nearby, such as chartreuse sweet potato vine or hot pink petunias, to truly pop.

When using Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’, aim for repetition throughout the design space to maximize its visual impact. Its dense branching habit ensures that it maintains a tidy presence without requiring constant deadheading or shaping.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Alternanthera brasiliana, commonly known as brazilian joyweed, is a herbaceous perennial or annual native to riparian and disturbed sites in South and Central America. This plant has also escaped cultivation and can be found in the United States, South Africa, and Australia, where it has the potential to become invasive. Mature plants have a somewhat sprawling habit with upright stems that can reach up to 2’ tall with an equal spread. The pubescent, ovate foliage ranges in color from greenish purple to deep purple, and reaches up to 3” long. Round clusters of small, white flowers bloom in spring at the ends of the stems and in the leaf axils.The specific epithet brasiliana means “from Brazil”, in reference to part of the native range of this species.‘Purple Prince’ is a compact selection of brazilian joyweed that features glossy, deep burgundy foliage and densely branched stems. Mature plants will reach up to 16” tall and spread to fill a 20” area.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

Potential issues typically involve common garden pests such as spider mites and thrips, especially when growing in hot, dry conditions. Fusarium wilt is another concern under overly wet or poorly drained soil conditions. Gardeners must be aware that this species, or others in the genus, has the potential to become aggressive and weedy in the landscape; always confirm that Brazilian joyweed is not listed as an invasive species in your specific region before planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Brazilian joyweed suitable for?

Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11.

How large does Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ grow?

Mature plants typically reach a height between 0.75 to 1.25 feet tall and spread approximately 1.5 to 1.75 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Brazilian joyweed need?

For the best development of its signature deep burgundy color, Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ requires full sun, although it tolerates partial shade.

When does Brazilian joyweed bloom?

When it flowers, Brazilian joyweed exhibits small, white blooms generally appearing between March and May.

Conclusion

Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ offers indispensable deep, rich color and reliable heat tolerance for virtually any sunny spot in the garden. The low maintenance and dense habit of this Brazilian joyweed make it a must-have in bedding schemes and container designs. Before planting, confirm local regulations and ensure your location falls within USDA Zones 9-11 if you plan for perennial survival.

Companion Planting

Selecting good companions for Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ involves focusing on plants that share its love for sun and medium moisture, while offering textural or color contrast. Consider pairing the deep burgundy foliage with bright lime green or yellow annuals. For example, calibrachoa cultivars with vibrant yellow blooms create an electrifying contrast against the dark leaves of the Brazilian joyweed.

Plants with finely textured foliage will also enhance the substantial look of this plant. Try interspersing it with silvery, finely cut foliage plants like Artemisia or Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ to highlight the thickness and glossiness of the purple leaves. Ensure companions do not crowd the spreading habit of the Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’.

Design Ideas for Bold Impact

Because of its compact size and saturated color, ‘Purple Prince’ performs exceptionally well in formal or contemporary border designs where precision is valued. Use it as a solid, dark ribbon row to anchor plantings of taller, more vertical companions like ornamental grasses or salvias. Its height (under 1.5 feet) means it rarely obstructs views of plants placed behind it.

When using Alternanthera brasiliana ‘Purple Prince’ in mixed containers, treat it as a spiller or a filler depending on the container height. In large urns, it works beautifully as a dense, foundational element that supports upright accents, contrasting sharply with white or pink impatiens placed nearby. Its drought tolerance, once established, offers a slight buffer against inconsistent watering schedules common with mixed container arrangements.