How to Grow Ember Lace
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Ember Lace
Alternanthera dentata 'Ember Lace'
shrubEmber Lace is a colorful ornamental foliage plant prized for its deeply lobed, lacy leaves that display vibrant shades of burgundy, red, and orange with darker veining. It grows as a tender perennial shrub that works well in containers, landscape borders, and tropical gardens. The delicate foliage creates stunning visual interest and color contrast in garden designs.
When should you plant Ember 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 Ember Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ember 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 Ember Lace
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ember Lace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; grow as an annual or container plant in cooler zones
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Seedling/Transplant
2-3 weeksYoung plants with small, lobed leaves showing initial color development; fragile growth with 2-4 true leaves
Maintain high humidity, provide bright indirect light, keep soil consistently moist, protect from direct sun and temperature fluctuations
Establishment
3-4 weeksPlant develops stronger stems and more foliage; leaves become larger with deeper color and more pronounced lacing patterns
Gradually increase sun exposure, begin light fertilizing every 2 weeks, pinch growing tips to encourage bushier habit
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksVigorous foliage production with fully colored lacy leaves displaying rich burgundy and red tones; plant reaches desired size and fullness
Maintain regular watering schedule, fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer, continue pinching to promote branching and density
Mature/Maintenance
Ongoing until frostPlant reaches full size and ornamental maturity with dense, colorful foliage creating dramatic garden presence; occasional small flowers may appear
Maintain regular watering and feeding schedule, prune to maintain shape and size, monitor for pests, bring indoors or protect in cold climates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity through misting, spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, spray with insecticidal soap, increase air circulation
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Spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap, use yellow sticky traps to monitor population
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Remove manually with soft brush, spray with horticultural oil, treat with insecticidal soap
Uses
Ornamental Foliage & Landscape Design
CraftThe striking lacy, deeply lobed leaves with burgundy-red coloring make Ember Lace a spectacular accent plant for gardens, borders, and container displays. Its fine texture and intense color add visual drama and sophistication to landscape designs. [source]
Container & Indoor Plant
HouseholdEmber Lace thrives in containers on patios, balconies, and as a houseplant in bright locations. It's ideal for tropical-themed gardens and adds colorful foliage interest year-round in warm climates. [source]
Garden Texture & Habitat
WildlifeThe delicate foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for small beneficial insects and birds, contributing to garden biodiversity while creating a living landscape feature. [source]
Color Combinations & Tropical Theme
CraftEmber Lace works beautifully in mixed borders and tropical-inspired plantings, creating striking color contrast when paired with silver-foliaged plants, warm yellows, or cool purples. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ember Lace is grown for foliage, not harvest. Pinch or prune stems regularly to encourage bushier, more colorful growth and maintain desired shape. Remove any plain-colored growth that reverts to solid green. Take cuttings in spring to propagate new plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ember Lace is a cultivar of Alternanthera dentata, a genus native to South America known for its colorful foliage and compact growth habit.
- 🌱 The deeply lobed leaves are what give it the 'Lace' in its name, creating an intricate, delicate appearance despite being a relatively hardy and vigorous grower.
- 🌱 In tropical and subtropical regions (zones 10-11), Ember Lace can be treated as a semi-evergreen perennial and will return year after year, making it a long-term investment in landscape color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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