Full Sun
to Part Shade
Moderate Water
In hot weather
Low Maintenance
Easy to trim
300-500mm
Mature height
600-900mm
Mature width
Suitable For
Garden Borders
Mass Planting
Ground Cover
Feature Beds
Colour Contrast
Edging
Why We Recommend It
- Little Ruby is grown for its rich burgundy foliage, which adds strong colour contrast without relying on flowers.
- It works well as a low border, groundcover or mass planting around shrubs and feature plants.
- A useful choice for customers wanting compact foliage colour that can be trimmed to shape.
Pot Sizes & Plant Heights
Current sizes can vary depending on seasonal stock and supplier availability.
Available sizes and plant heights are an approximate guide only. Stock fluctuates through the season and other sizes may be available. All plant stock and sizes are approximate and subject to grower availability at the time of year. View our Pot Sizes Explained guide.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Alternanthera dentata 'Little Ruby' |
| Common Names | Little Ruby Alternanthera, Ruby Leaf Alternanthera, Alternanthera |
| Plant Type | Low foliage shrub or groundcover |
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
| Mature Size | 300-500mm high x 600-900mm wide |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance with occasional trimming. Prune lightly to keep growth compact and water during hot or dry periods. |
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly while establishing and during hot weather. Trim lightly to encourage compact growth and apply a general fertiliser during the growing season.
Flowering, Fruiting & Fragrance
| Flower Colour | Small pale flowers may appear, but foliage is the main feature |
| Flowering Period | Seasonal and not the main feature |
| Fruiting | N/A |
Delivery Restrictions
Due to Australian quarantine restrictions, this product cannot be sent to WA, NT or TAS.
Complete The Project
- Garden soil improver
- Mulch
- General garden fertiliser
- Border edging plants for mass displays
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternanthera Little Ruby grown for?
It is mainly grown for its rich burgundy foliage and compact spreading habit.
Can Alternanthera Little Ruby be clipped?
Yes. Light trimming helps keep the plant compact and tidy.
How much sun does Alternanthera Little Ruby need?
It grows in full sun to part shade, with stronger foliage colour usually seen in brighter positions.
How big does Alternanthera Little Ruby grow?
It typically grows around 300-500mm high and 600-900mm wide.
What size plant will I receive?
Available plant sizes are listed on this page as a guide. Plant height and fullness can vary seasonally.
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Alternanthera dentata 'Little Ruby'
Alternanthera Little Ruby
Low foliage shrub or groundcover
Full sun to part shade
Low Maintenance
300-500mm
600-900mm
Garden borders, mass planting, ground cover, feature beds, colour contrast, edging, low maintenance
Cannot be sent to WA, NT or TAS
