Alteranthera Red Carpet

Alternanthera Red Carpet is a bold, low-growing ornamental plant prized for its rich red to burgundy foliage. Forming a dense, spreading mat, this variety delivers season-long color and excellent contrast in garden beds, borders, and containers. Its compact habit makes it ideal for edging pathways, filling gaps in mixed plantings, or creating dramatic color blocks in the landscape.

Easy to grow and heat tolerant, Alternanthera Red Carpet thrives in sunny locations where its foliage color becomes most intense. Grown primarily for its vibrant leaves rather than flowers, it provides reliable visual impact from spring through frost.

Plant Characteristics

Botanical Name: Alternanthera ficoidea
Common Name: Alternanthera Red Carpet
Plant Type: Annual (perennial in warm climates)
Mature Height: 6–12 inches
Mature Width: 18–24 inches
Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, mounded

Foliage Color: Deep red to burgundy
Flowering: Insignificant; grown for foliage

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile soil

Maintenance: Low; occasional trimming encourages fuller growth
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 9–11