Joseph's coat

[Bad bird watcher]

I have this plant in my garden bought for me by my parents following the birth of my first son. I only know it as Josephs coat - does anybody know its real name?

Also any tips on pruning appreciated

Thanks

[Dogghound]

Alternanthera ficoidea Joseph's Coat, Parrot Leaf, Calico Plant.

[Tiggrx]

My mother calls Pulmonaria officinalis "Joseph's Coat". It is a commonly grown spring flowering plant with spotted leaves.

[Bub-les]

Can you post a photo of it as there are a few plants with this name.
Including the ones above there is also a spirea - I think it might be the spirea
Barbara

[Hobjob]

At a complete tangent and non-WAB based, I learnt the other day
that Joseph's multi-coloured coat was probably a mistranslation, and
should be sleeved coat or striped coat.

Funny old world

[JennyS]

Theres also an Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph's-coat) ......but as thats a half-hardy annual its not likely to be the one you got given.....

[Bub-les]

Originally Posted by Bad bird watcher

I have this plant in my garden bought for me by my parents following the birth of my first son. I only know it as Josephs coat - does anybody know its real name?

Also any tips on pruning appreciated

Thanks

If it is the spirea then you can prune it anyway you like. It will stand being cut right back and the best time to do that is about now but don't leave it much later as it will only make a small bush. I tend to cut mine right back every other year and only give it a dead flower trim in between.
I think its a rather pretty low bush with its red and white flower heads.
Hope that helps.
Barbara

[Bad bird watcher]

Bub-les you are right it is the spirea! (Japonica Shiroban - I googled it)
I'll set to work on it at the weekend, weather permitting, as I have only ever cut off the flower heads so far

Thanks for all your replies

[Bub-les]

glad to have been a help
Barbara