Can anyone tell me what this plant is?

Question

I saw them in the gardens at Monticello, but have now forgotten what they are. Thanks!

Answer 1

Joseph's Coat

Amaranthus Tricolor (Perfecta)



http://books.google.com/books?id=alQ_4oIfA7gC&pg=PA39&lpg=PA39&dq=Amaranthus+Tricolor+(Perfecta)+at+monticello&source=bl&ots=MLVkvl-qV5&sig=a2oTAe5uNbwacj2LLhHisFkDz3s&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jcSeU6HEK8SGyAT9gYKYBA&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Amaranthus%20Tricolor%20(Perfecta)%20at%20monticello&f=false



https://www.google.com/search?q=Amaranthus+Tricolor+(Perfecta)+at+monticello&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=jcSeU6HEK8SGyAT9gYKYBA&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=980&bih=733#q=Amaranthus%20Tricolor%20(Perfecta)&rls=en&tbm=isch



http://www.monticello.org/site/house-and-gardens/josephs-coat



"In a 1786 list of seeds sent from Paris, Thomas Jefferson mentioned several amaranths, including the "three-colored Amaranth." This popular annual is one of the most dramatic flowers in the summer display at Monticello. "

Answer 2

It sure does look like summer Poinsettia. Interesting. I was under the impression that the gardens at Monticello were restored using the same plants as in Jefferson's day and the poinsettia wasn't brought to the US until several years after Jefferson's death. Thanks for answering so quickly.

Answer 3

Summer Poinsettia

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pink+and+yellow+flowers&client=firefox-a&hs=Q8T&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=U6yeU8y0KI2LkwXOkoGAAw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=747#channel=sb&q=summer+poinsettia&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&imgdii=_

Answer 4

Is it possibly a hybridized Poinsettia . . . ?

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1959/