Stay Connected with Fine Gardening OR Browse All Plants This
dark-leaved, tropical foliage plant loves heat, and is useful
spreading through a bed, border, or in a container where its
deep purple leaves can contrast with brightly colored flowers or
foliage. Alternanthera are native to tropical and sub-tropical
areas of Central and South America. Their flowers are generally
an afterthought. This plant works well for edging, as an annual
groundcover, or in a formal knot garden. This tuberous begonia
bears green heart-shaped foliage with red veining and claret-
stained undersides that steal the show when backlit. Pendent
clusters of slightly fragrant, satiny pink or white blossoms
open from midsummer until frost. It makes a good perennial
companion for ferns and hostas. English daisy bears stems topped
with a single white, daisy-like flower. The flowers are tinged
maroon and yellow; but cultivars are available with single,
semi-double, or double button flowers in shades of white, pink,
salmon, and ruby. The plant