How to Grow Bee's Ruby
Wikimedia Commons
Bee's Ruby
Alternanthera dentata 'Bee's Ruby'
shrubBee's Ruby is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy to ruby-red leaves with contrasting lime-green undersides. This tropical shrub creates dramatic color impact in gardens and containers, and attracts pollinators with its delicate flower clusters. It's commonly used as a colorful annual bedding plant or tender perennial in cooler climates.
When should you plant Bee's Ruby in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Bee's Ruby timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bee's Ruby
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bee's Ruby
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bee's Ruby dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Get my Bee's Ruby timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung transplants with initial leaf development; plant still developing root system
Keep soil consistently moist, avoid full intense sun immediately after transplanting, pinch tips to encourage bushiness
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid foliage expansion with increasing ruby-red coloration; plant fills out and becomes bushier
Pinch or prune growing tips regularly to promote branching, fertilize every 2-3 weeks, maintain consistent moisture
Flowering
6-12 weeks (can repeat if pruned)Small white to pale pink flower spikes develop at branch tips; foliage remains the main attraction
Optional deadheading to redirect energy to foliage, continue regular feeding and watering
Peak Ornamental
Summer through fallFull-sized plant with maximum color intensity and density; deep burgundy foliage with contrasting coloring
Maintain shape with regular pruning, fertilize monthly, monitor for pests in warm conditions
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsGrowth slows significantly; foliage may lose some intensity, plant may drop some leaves in cooler zones
Reduce watering and fertilizing, protect from temperatures below 50°F, bring container plants indoors in zones below 10
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water spray, use insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs, neem oil
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap, improve air circulation
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Spray with neem oil, apply insecticidal soap, use systemic insecticide if severe
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if necessary, neem oil
Uses
Edible Ornamental Leaves
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Alternanthera dentata leaves are technically edible and have been used in some cuisines as a pot herb. They have a mild flavor and are sometimes added to salads or cooked dishes for color and nutrition. [source]
Container and Bedding Displays
HouseholdBee's Ruby excels in mixed container plantings, hanging baskets, and annual flower beds where its striking burgundy foliage creates dramatic color contrast. Perfect for creating bold landscape focal points and color combinations. [source]
Flower Arrangements and Designs
CraftThe deep red foliage and delicate flower spikes make excellent additions to floral designs, bouquets, and decorative arrangements. The unique coloring and texture add visual interest to both fresh and dried designs. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. Provides food sources for beneficial garden insects. [source]
Harvest Tips
This plant is grown for ornamental foliage, not harvest. Prune regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to maintain desired shape, size, and color intensity. Pinch off flower spikes if focusing on foliage display. Propagate by cuttings in spring or summer, rooting in moist soil or water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Bee's Ruby' likely references both the plant's deep ruby color and its attraction to bees, which visit the delicate flowers for nectar.
- 🌱 The contrasting lime-green undersides of the leaves create a stunning two-tone effect, especially visible when the plant sways in the breeze.
- 🌱 Bee's Ruby is part of the Amaranthaceae family and is related to similar ornamental foliage plants like Iresine, sharing similar growing requirements and dramatic color displays.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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