Alternanthera Party Time

Plant name: Alternanthera Party Time

Scientific name: Alternanthera ficoidea ‘Party Time’

Plant description: Alternanthera Party Time is a colorful tropical foliage plant prized for its vibrant pink and green variegation and compact, bushy growth habit. This fast-growing ornamental forms a dense mound of richly colored leaves that create strong contrast in mixed plantings and container designs. Often used as a seasonal annual in cooler climates, it performs as a tender perennial in warmer environments and responds well to shaping, allowing growers to maintain a neat, structured appearance throughout the growing season.

Flower description: Flowers are small, white, and inconspicuous, appearing as tight clusters along the stems. They are generally considered ornamental accents rather than the main attraction, as the plant is primarily grown for its vivid foliage display.

Leaf description: Leaves are narrow to oval with smooth edges and a glossy surface. Bright pink centers are surrounded by green margins, creating a bold, high-contrast pattern that intensifies with adequate light exposure. New growth often shows the strongest coloration, giving the plant a continuously refreshed look.

Deciduous or evergreen: Tender evergreen in frost-free environments; grown as an annual in most regions.

USDA grow zones: Typically grown outdoors as an annual in USDA Zones 3–10; may be perennial in Zones 10–12.

Mature height and width: Approximately 12 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.

Landscape uses: Suitable for edging, mass plantings, mixed containers, window boxes, and accent plantings where bold foliage color is desired. Works well in modern garden designs, tropical-themed plantings, and as a vibrant filler around upright focal plants. Can also be grown indoors in bright environments.

Native range: Alternanthera ficoidea is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.

Sun exposure: Performs best in full sun to partial sun. Increased light levels typically enhance pink coloration, while lower light may result in more green tones.

Water requirements: Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering, but avoid prolonged drought, which may cause leaf drop or faded color.

Pests and problems: May attract spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies, especially in dry indoor environments. Overwatering can lead to root stress, while low light may reduce foliage vibrancy.

Heat and sun tolerance: Handles warm temperatures well when provided with adequate moisture and airflow. Coloration remains strongest with consistent light exposure. Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost and cold temperatures; foliage damage may occur when exposed to prolonged chill.

Growing tips: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage branching and maintain a dense, compact shape. Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter to support steady growth. Fertilize lightly during active growth to promote vibrant foliage without excessive stretching. Position plants where they receive strong light to maintain the bold pink variegation that defines this cultivar.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.