did you know?

Native to the West Indies and Central and South America, Joseph's coat was quite popular in Victorian garden schemes?its boldly colored foliage made it of great use in knot gardens?but by the twentieth century, it had fallen out of style. Today, there is renewed interest in its use as a bedding plant or as a ground cover in frost-free areas.

general maintenance:

Pinch young plants to encourage branching. Remove flower spikes to encourage growth.

pests/diseases:

Spider mites and fusarium wilt may occur.

controls:

Regularly hose off spider mites with a directed stream of water, mist frequently to increase humidity, or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions. To control fusarium wilt, reduce watering, and remove infected plants. This fungus remains in the soil for several years; rotate crops, and plant resistant varieties.

how to sow/plant:

Start seeds indoors 8?10 weeks before last frost, or set out young plants when danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, well-drained site, amend with compost or well-rotted manure, and space plants 1 foot apart.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

As with many variegated plants, as shade increases, coloration and variegation decrease. Choose a site with full sun to grow the darkest leaves.

features:

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover (in frost-free areas)
• Indoors

other uses:

combine with:

chartreuse plants including sweet potato vine and zinnia ('Envy').