How to Grow ColorBlaze Black Cherry
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ColorBlaze Black Cherry
Alternanthera dentata 'ColorBlaze Black Cherry'
shrubColorBlaze Black Cherry is a vibrant ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy-black leaves with purple and red undertones. It's a tender perennial typically grown as an annual in most climates, reaching 12-18 inches tall. The plant adds dramatic color contrast to containers, borders, and mixed plantings throughout the growing season.
When should you plant ColorBlaze Black Cherry in your zone?
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Example ColorBlaze Black Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant ColorBlaze Black Cherry
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 ColorBlaze Black Cherry
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ColorBlaze Black Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11 as a perennial; grow as an annual in zones 3-9
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Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with pale green cotyledons and initial true leaves showing slight red tinting
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to strongest plants.
Vegetative
2-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with elongating leaves that gradually deepen from green to dark burgundy-black
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Pinch stems early to encourage bushiness. Increase light exposure to 6+ hours daily.
Mature Foliage
Remainder of growing seasonPlant reaches full size with dense branching and fully colored deep burgundy-black foliage with purple undertones
Continue regular watering and fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Pinch flower buds to maintain foliage focus and promote bushier growth.
Flowering
6-8 weeksSmall, insignificant white or pale purple flowers appear along stems; not the main ornamental feature
Deadhead flowers to redirect energy to foliage color and branching. Maintain consistent moisture and nutrients.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Treat undersides of leaves.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil for heavy infestations.
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
Uses
Container & Mixed Border Displays
OrnamentalPerfect as a focal point or backdrop in container gardens, hanging baskets, and mixed borders where its deep burgundy-black foliage creates striking color contrast with lighter-leaved plants. [source]
Indoor Houseplant
HouseholdCan be grown indoors in bright light near a sunny window or under grow lights, making it suitable for indoor decorative displays and winter overwintering of outdoor plants. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Design
CraftThe deep burgundy-black foliage is highly valued by florists and designers for adding dramatic color and texture to fresh arrangements, wedding designs, and decorative displays. [source]
Pollinator Garden
WildlifeWhile grown primarily for foliage, the flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, making it a supporting plant in pollinator-friendly garden designs. [source]
Edible Leaf Potential
CulinaryThough not commonly consumed, alternanthera species are edible in some cuisines and can be added to salads or cooked dishes for color and nutrition, though ColorBlaze is primarily grown ornamentally. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested for food. Pinch stem tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to encourage bushier, denser growth with more foliage coverage. In zones 10-11, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in late summer to propagate new plants for overwintering indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 ColorBlaze Black Cherry is part of the broader Alternanthera family, some species of which are sold as aquarium plants, while others are used as edible leafy greens in Asian cuisines.
- 🌱 The intense burgundy-black color is produced by anthocyanin pigments, which actually increase in intensity with more sunlight exposure—a plant grown in shade will be green or only lightly colored.
- 🌱 This cultivar can be easily propagated from 3-4 inch stem cuttings placed in water or moist soil, making it simple to create new plants for next season without buying new transplants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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