How to Grow Carpet Red
Carpet Red
Alternanthera dentata 'Carpet Red'
shrubCarpet Red is a colorful ornamental foliage plant known for its vibrant deep red to burgundy leaves that create a striking ground cover or bedding display. It grows as a compact, low-growing shrub with fine-textured foliage and is popular in tropical and subtropical gardens for adding bold color to landscape designs.
When should you plant Carpet Red 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 Carpet Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Carpet Red
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 Carpet Red
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Carpet Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; frost-tender annual in cooler climates
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Propagation & Establishment
10-14 daysSmall rooted cuttings or seedlings begin to develop roots and establish initial growth
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist; provide bright indirect light; mist regularly to reduce transplant shock; use rooting hormone for cuttings
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and produces increasingly vibrant red foliage; compact bushy shape forms
Pinch off growing tips regularly to encourage branching and denser growth; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; ensure full sun exposure for color
Maturation
Ongoing throughout seasonPlant reaches full size with dense foliage coverage; deep red coloration is most intense
Continue regular pinching to maintain compact shape; deadhead insignificant flowers; maintain feeding and watering schedule; monitor for pests in warm weather
Seasonal Decline (Cold-Climate)
Fall to early springIn cooler zones, plant slows growth as temperatures drop; color may fade and growth becomes sparse
Reduce watering as growth slows; bring container-grown plants indoors before first frost (below 50°F); can be overwintered indoors on bright windowsill; in zones 9b-10a, may need winter protection
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; ensure good air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; prune out heavily infested stems; isolate affected plants
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Manually remove or scrape off; apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray; prune infested branches
Uses
Ornamental edible borders
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Alternanthera species leaves are edible and used in some cuisines as nutritious greens. The vibrant foliage of Carpet Red can serve as an attractive, colorful addition to edible gardens. [source]
Garden design and landscaping
HouseholdCarpet Red is extensively used as a bedding plant, ground cover, and accent plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. Its deep burgundy foliage creates striking color contrasts in mixed borders and container arrangements. [source]
Container and indoor gardening
HouseholdExcellent choice for pots, hanging baskets, and container gardens, particularly in cooler climates where it must be grown as a tender annual. Can be brought indoors as a houseplant during cold months. [source]
Floral and craft arrangements
CraftThe decorative red foliage is popular with florists and crafters for fresh and dried arrangements, adding texture and bold color to bouquets and displays. [source]
Pollinator-friendly plantings
WildlifeWhile grown primarily for foliage, the small flowers produced by Carpet Red attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden ecosystem. [source]
Harvest Tips
Carpet Red is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch off growing tips and trim shoots regularly to maintain compact shape and promote bushiness. Cuttings can be propagated year-round in warm conditions. Remove any insignificant small white flowers that may appear to encourage foliage production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Carpet Red's intense red coloration is enhanced by cool nights and full sun exposure; plants grown in shade develop more green tones and lose their striking burgundy hue.
- 🌱 This plant is commonly used in carpet bedding—a Victorian-era technique where plants of contrasting colors are arranged in dense patterns to create living tapestries and designs.
- 🌱 Carpet Red is incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings; a single cutting placed in water or moist soil will root in 7-10 days, making it an excellent choice for sharing with gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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