This perennial shrub has upright branched stems that form a bushy habit or it may form a prostrate habit. It has elliptical mid-green leaves that are blotched in red, yellow or purple and the small white flowers appear in a insignificant spike during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Alternanthera ficoidea is naturally found in Mexico growing in moist open forests on well drained fertile moist soils in an open sunny position is drought and frost tender.

Parrot Leaf is a small perennial shrub that is grown for its foliage and variable habit. It can be planted along borders to form a low hedge or is grown as a specimen for foliage contrast. This shrub may also be trained as a groundcover or as a spill-over in large rockeries. It establishes from division in one season and should be planted out when frosts have passed. ID 1286

Alternanthera(ăl-ter-NAN-the-ra) ficoidea(fee-KOI-dee-a)

Amaranthaceae (AM-ar-an-THAY-see-e)