How to Grow Lady in Red
Wikimedia Commons
Lady in Red
Alternanthera dentata 'Lady in Red'
shrubLady in Red is a tender tropical shrub prized for its striking deep burgundy to crimson foliage that intensifies in bright light. It grows 12-24 inches tall and is commonly used as an ornamental houseplant, annual bedding plant, or container specimen. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white or pale flowers, but is grown primarily for its vibrant, velvety leaf color.
When should you plant Lady in Red in your zone?
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Example Lady in Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lady in 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 Lady in Red
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lady in Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere
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Get my Lady in Red timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very small and delicate
Keep soil warm (70-75°F), maintain high humidity, provide bright light, avoid waterlogging, and do not fertilize until true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with emerging burgundy coloration; stem thickens and branches form
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent moisture and bright light, begin light fertilizing every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Established
Ongoing during growing seasonFully bushy plant with dense, deeply colored crimson foliage; mature leaf size achieved
Provide bright light to maintain red color (low light causes color to fade to green), fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season, pinch back occasionally to maintain compact form
Flowering
4-8 weeks (spring to summer)Small, insignificant white or pale cream flowers appear among foliage; not the plant's primary ornamental feature
Deadheading is optional as flowers are inconspicuous; maintain regular feeding and watering
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 monthsGrowth slows significantly; foliage color may become less vibrant indoors due to reduced light
Reduce watering, reduce or stop fertilizing, maintain moderate temperatures (60-70°F minimum), provide maximum available light
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, maintain good air circulation
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Scrape off manually, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
Uses
Container and Houseplant Specimen
OrnamentalLady in Red is prized as a decorative houseplant and container plant for patios, decks, and indoor spaces. Its intense burgundy foliage provides striking color contrast in mixed plantings or stands beautifully as a solo specimen. [source]
Edible Leaves (in some cultures)
CulinaryIn tropical regions, Alternanthera species are occasionally used in salads or cooked dishes, though Lady in Red is primarily grown ornamentally rather than for consumption. [source]
Indoor Air Quality and Décor
HouseholdLady in Red adds vibrant color to indoor environments and contributes to foliage diversity in houseplant collections, enhancing interior décor without flowers. [source]
Cut Foliage for Arrangements
CraftThe striking burgundy stems and leaves can be cut and used in floral arrangements, dried for crafts, or pressed for botanical art projects. [source]
Nectar for Pollinators
WildlifeAlthough small and inconspicuous, the flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, making it a minor contributor to pollinator gardens. [source]
Harvest Tips
Lady in Red is not harvested in the traditional sense, but stems can be pruned for cuttings at any time during the growing season. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings below a leaf node, remove lower leaves, and root in moist soil or water (rooting occurs in 7-10 days). Pinch back tips regularly to maintain bushiness and encourage denser, more vibrant foliage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lady in Red's intense crimson color is directly linked to light exposure—plants grown in low light gradually turn green, while those in bright sun maintain their deep burgundy hue due to increased anthocyanin pigment production.
- 🌱 This cultivar is part of the Alternanthera genus, which includes over 200 species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
- 🌱 Lady in Red is one of the easiest plants to propagate; a single stem cutting can root in plain water within 7-10 days, making it ideal for sharing with friends or creating multiple plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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