How to Grow Burgundy Lace
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Burgundy Lace
Alternanthera dentata 'Burgundy Lace'
shrubBurgundy Lace is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy and purple leaves with intricate, lacy margins. It grows as a tender perennial shrub, typically reaching 18-24 inches tall, and is commonly used as an annual bedding plant or container specimen in cooler climates. The foliage provides dramatic color contrast in gardens and landscape designs.
When should you plant Burgundy Lace 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 Burgundy Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Lace
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 Burgundy Lace
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burgundy Lace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or container plant in zones 3-9
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Get my Burgundy Lace timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksSmall green shoots emerge with tiny oval cotyledons; first true leaves begin to show tinges of purple
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright indirect light; maintain 70-75°F temperature for germination
Early Growth
2-4 weeksPlant develops 4-6 true leaves with increasingly deep burgundy coloring; stems become more robust
Gradually increase light exposure; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer; pinch tips to encourage bushiness
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksVigorous development with dense, lacy foliage; burgundy coloring becomes deeper and more intense with full sun exposure
Pinch or prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage branching; ensure consistent moisture; apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
Mature/Decorative
Throughout growing seasonPlant reaches full ornamental form with thick, bushy habit and striking deep burgundy leaves with intricate lacey edges
Maintain regular watering schedule; deadhead any flowers if present; continue pinching for shape; fertilize monthly
Winter/Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage may lose some color intensity if exposed to cold temperatures; growth slows significantly
Reduce watering frequency; bring container plants indoors in frost-prone areas; minimal fertilizing required
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; rinse leaves with water
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
Uses
Ornamental Bedding & Container Plant
HouseholdBurgundy Lace serves as an excellent focal point or filler plant in flower beds, borders, and mixed containers. Its rich foliage color contrasts beautifully with silver-leaved plants and bright flowers. [source]
Indoor Houseplant
HouseholdWhen grown in containers indoors under bright light, Burgundy Lace provides year-round decorative foliage in homes and offices. It thrives on windowsills or under grow lights. [source]
Floral & Foliage Arrangements
CraftThe striking burgundy stems and lacy leaves are prized by florists and crafters for fresh and dried arrangements, adding texture and depth to designs. [source]
Garden Aesthetics & Color Contrast
WildlifeBurgundy Lace's deep coloring provides dramatic visual contrast in garden design, enhancing the appearance of adjacent plants and creating focal points in landscape architecture. [source]
Harvest Tips
Burgundy Lace is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch or prune stems regularly throughout the growing season to maintain bushy, compact shape and vibrant coloring. Cuttings can be taken for propagation in spring or summer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burgundy Lace is a cultivar of Joseph's Coat (Alternanthera dentata), a tropical plant native to South America that displays stunning foliage variations.
- 🌱 The name 'Burgundy Lace' refers both to the deep wine-burgundy color of the leaves and the delicate, intricate lacey margins that give the plant its distinctive frilly appearance.
- 🌱 In warm climates, Burgundy Lace can produce small white or purple flowers, though the plant is primarily grown for its dramatic foliage rather than its blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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