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How to Grow Ebony Magic

Ebony Magic

Alternanthera dentata 'Ebony Magic'

shrub

Ebony Magic is a striking ornamental foliage plant known for its deep burgundy to almost black leaves with iridescent purple undersides. This tender perennial is prized for dramatic color contrast in garden beds, containers, and mixed plantings. It maintains a compact, bushy form and is often treated as an annual in cooler climates.

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Example Ebony Magic timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ebony Magic

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Ebony Magic

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ebony Magic dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (more sun intensifies dark color)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil is dry. More frequent watering needed in containers and hot weather
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 45-60 days to full ornamental size
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Planting depth: Transplants planted at same depth as nursery container; seeds surface sown or lightly covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
compost peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 5-9 with season-long warmth

9b 10a 10b 11

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with delicate leaves beginning to show dark coloration; 2-4 true leaves visible

Keep soil consistently moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain warmth (70-75°F minimum), thin seedlings to prevent crowding

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid leaf and stem development; plant fills out and becomes bushier; dark coloring becomes more pronounced

Pinch or prune growing tips to encourage bushier form, ensure full sun for color development, fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer

3

Mature Foliage

Throughout growing season (8-12 weeks or more)

Plant reaches full size with dense dark foliage; may produce small inconspicuous flowers (spike-like, pale purple)

Maintain regular watering and feeding schedule, deadhead flowers if you prefer foliage focus, monitor for pests, prune to maintain shape if desired

4

Overwintering/Storage

Variable (seasonal)

Plant dormancy in frost-prone zones; may slow growth in cooler winter months

In zones 9b and colder, bring containers indoors before first frost, reduce watering and fertilizing, keep in bright indoor location, protect from cold drafts

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Caladiums Coleus Dusty Miller Impatiens Begonias Celosia Marigolds Persian Shield

Avoid planting near:

Large aggressive vines Allelopathic plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase humidity around plants

  • Yellow sticky traps, neem oil spray, insecticidal soap, reflective mulches

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs, spray with neem oil, use systemic insecticide if severe

  • Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects

Uses

🌿

Ornamental Foliage Display

Ornamental

Ebony Magic's deep burgundy to near-black foliage with iridescent purple undersides creates stunning visual contrast in gardens, borders, containers, and mixed plantings. Its dramatic color serves as an excellent backdrop for lighter-colored flowers and foliage. [source]

🎨

Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The striking dark stems and leaves are valuable in floral design and cut arrangements, providing deep color contrast and texture to bouquets and artistic arrangements. [source]

🏠

Container & Houseplant Gardening

Household

Excellent for container gardening on patios, decks, and indoors. Can be brought inside over winter in cooler climates and grown as a houseplant with bright light. [source]

🦋

Pollinator-Friendly Planting

Wildlife

Though grown primarily for foliage, the small flowers may attract pollinators and beneficial insects in the garden ecosystem. [source]

Harvest Tips

Ebony Magic is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch or cut stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain shape. Can be cut back hard in late winter before new growth. Cuttings root easily in water for propagation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Ebony Magic is sometimes called 'Joseph's Coat' due to its related species in the Alternanthera genus, which display multiple vibrant colors, though Ebony Magic is known for its deep monocolor
  • 🌱 The plant's dark coloring actually becomes more intense with abundant sunlight—more sun exposure develops deeper, richer black-burgundy tones compared to shaded plants
  • 🌱 Ebony Magic is native to South America (tropical regions) and is technically a tender perennial, making it cold-sensitive; it cannot survive freezing temperatures

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Perennial True Leaves
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