Fire Bug Alternanthera

Fire Bug Alternanthera (Alternanthera denticulata 'Fire Bug') is a dense, low colour plant that grows up to about 1m high and wide. Fresh growth emerges brilliant burgundy and settles to bronze-green as it ages, with pink tones in between, so the colour lasts all year. It is used for borders, low hedges and groundcover in warm, frost-free gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Year round colour. Pink, wine red and bronze tones keep the garden colourful without waiting for flowers.
• Dense growth. It forms a thick, low mat of foliage that fills gaps in a bed.
• Three jobs in one. Use it as a groundcover, a border or a low hedge, depending on how you prune it.
• A strong contrast plant. Burgundy leaves look sharp planted beside gold-leaved plants, a pairing that gives a bright tropical burst of colour.
• Quick cover. It spreads into a dense mass, so a small number of plants soon covers a good area with colour.

Where it works best

Borders and edging. Plant 50cm apart in a single row for a dense, low border that holds its colour. Clip regularly to keep the line tidy.

Groundcover. For a mass of colour, set plants 50cm apart in staggered rows. They knit together to cover the soil as they grow.

Contrast plantings. Plant it beside gold or lime foliage, for a bold tropical combination.

Growing Fire Bug Alternanthera in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or part shade in warm, frost-free areas. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens. Protect it from frost, because cold burns the foliage.

Soil. Any reasonably free draining soil with mulch over it. Enrich poor ground with compost before planting.

Water and feed. Mulch the bed and water well for the first three months while the plant establishes. In dry spells keep the water up, because the foliage colour depends on healthy, steady growth.

Pruning. Clip it regularly to keep the growth dense and encourage fresh foliage. Frequent clipping also keeps it low and brings a steady supply of new red growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fire Bug Alternanthera as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The young plants arrive small, and they thicken quickly in warm weather with regular water. Plant them in a mulched bed and water well until they settle. The tubes come from our grower, who does not always have them. A sold out tube simply means none is available today, and the notify button on the page emails you the day stock is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our groundcover plants
• Top plants for ground cover
• Plants with colourful foliage
• Plants for tropical climates

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 50cm apart. That gives a dense mat or border as the plants meet, without crowding them.

Will it cope with frost?

No. It is for warm, frost-free areas, and it should be protected from frost. In cooler climates it needs a sheltered position under cover.

How do I keep the colour bright?

Prune regularly. Clipping keeps growth dense and fresh, and new foliage is the reddest.