Alternanthera Little Ruby

Description: Alternanthera 'Little Ruby', commonly known as Little Ruby Alternanthera, is a striking evergreen groundcover prized for its vibrant, deep burgundy foliage. This compact plant is particularly valued for its colorful foliage and low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and containers.

Flowers:

• Blooms: The plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in summer. While the flowers are not significant for ornamental value, they add a delicate touch to the foliage.
• Fragrance: The flowers have no notable fragrance.

Foliage:

• Leaves: The leaves are small, oval, and deep burgundy to dark purple, providing a rich and vibrant appearance year-round. The foliage's intense color makes it a standout in any garden setting.
• Seasonal Color: The foliage maintains its deep burgundy color throughout the year, adding continuous visual interest.

Fruit:

• Fruit: The plant rarely produces noticeable fruit. The primary ornamental value lies in its foliage.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 30-40 cm tall and 60-90 cm wide, forming a dense, low-growing mat.
• Habit: Low-growing and spreading, making it suitable for various landscape uses as a groundcover or in mixed plantings.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in tropical to subtropical climates and is suitable for various regions in Australia. It can tolerate light frosts but prefers warmer conditions.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes the best foliage color, while partial shade is tolerated.
• Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it benefits from consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought.

Uses:

• Groundcover: Highly valued as a groundcover for its low, spreading habit and vibrant foliage.
• Borders and Edging: Ideal for creating colorful borders and edging in garden beds.
• Containers: Perfect for pots and containers, adding a splash of color to patios, balconies, and small gardens.
• Mixed Plantings: Suitable for mixed plantings and garden beds, providing a contrasting color to green-leaved plants.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Trim back occasionally to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinching back tips promotes denser foliage.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage color.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest and disease-resistant. Monitor for common pests such as aphids and spider mites. Good air circulation and proper watering practices help prevent fungal diseases.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In cooler regions of Australia, provide protection from severe frost to prevent damage to new growth.
• Companion Plants: Pair with other colorful perennials and annuals such as coleus, petunias, and marigolds to create a vibrant and diverse garden display.
• Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or by division.

Alternanthera 'Little Ruby'

Common Name: Little Ruby Alternanthera

Botanical Name: Alternanthera dentata 'Little Ruby'

Family: Amaranthaceae

Origin: Native to Central and South America, cultivated variety of Alternanthera

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