Joseph’s Coat ‘Little Ruby’

Alternanthera dentata ‘Little Ruby’

Characteristics

Culture

Joseph’s Coat ‘Little Ruby’ is a recent selection to the Texas Superstar list of plants.  It is a more compact version of the traditional garden plant known as Joseph’s Coat. It has a long planting season and can be used as a ground cover where its foliage color blends well with other plants or as a container plant. Foliage is a rich burgundy in full sun. It tolerates and is still attractive in shade but the foliage is more greenish in color.  It is grown as a warm season annual but may be perennial in areas that only experience light frost.

Noteworthy Characteristics

When grown in full sun, Little Ruby alternanthera, the newest Texas Superstar selection, shows rich burgundy and green foliage. Little Ruby is related to older alternantheras, referred to as Joseph’s Coat, but grows to about a third of the height of older selections.  Little Ruby is typically planted in late winter or spring, but it can also be planted throughout the summer and fall and be expected to give good results. This long planting season, among other traits, is one reason it was selected as a Texas Superstar.  Its color varies from green to red to a deep burgundy, depending upon how much sunlight it receives during the day. 

 

Water as required for 8-13 weeks until established. Plant in a well mulched garden (chunky mulch is recommended). If required use slow release fertilizer in spring.  Provide with adequate water as required. Keep moist in dry weather and protect from heavy frost.  Small white flowers in the fall may actually detract from its ornamental features, so they can be removed as they appear.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Garden Uses

Ground cover or foreground planting, containers, borders, edging, hanging basket.