Red Threads Alternanthera

Red Threads Alternanthera (Alternanthera ficoidea 'Red Threads') is a low groundcover that grows about 30cm tall and 30cm wide, with very slender leaves in deep purple, burgundy and green. The fine foliage makes a rich maroon carpet or a neat low edging, and it handles heat well. It is frost tender, so it suits warm, frost free gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Finer than other alternantheras. The leaves are much slimmer than on other forms, which adds texture beside broader foliage.
• Deep, dark colour. Purple, burgundy and green tones read as a rich maroon, especially where light shines through the leaves.
• Handles heat. It has good heat tolerance, so it copes with hot summer beds.
• Quick to cover. It grows fast in warm weather, so gaps in a bed close up quickly.
• Flowers if you let it. Balls of cream white flowers rise above the foliage when it is left unclipped.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 30cm apart for a continuous carpet. In warm weather the plants knit together quickly, and the dark foliage sets off pale paving and mulch.

Low hedge and border edging. A single row 30cm apart makes a dwarf stepover hedge or a dark ribbon along a path or garden bed. Clip it to hold the line.

Rockeries, cottage gardens and pots. The fine leaves suit rockery pockets, cottage plantings and containers, where the colour sits well against silver or green foliage.

Growing Red Threads Alternanthera in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade in a warm, frost free spot. It tolerates heat well, but it is frost tender. In cooler areas, plant it only after the danger of frost has passed and treat it as a warm season planting, or grow it in a pot you can shelter. Colour is deepest in good light.

Soil. Free draining soil enriched with compost suits it. Avoid wet, heavy spots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until the plant is established, usually around twelve weeks. Fertilise in spring.

Pruning. Clip over lightly to keep it dense and compact. Left unclipped it sends up balls of cream white flowers, which you can trim off if you prefer the foliage alone.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Threads Alternanthera as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes suit large plantings, since you need roughly one plant for every 30cm of bed. Plants travel upright and compact, so unpack them promptly, plant into moist, mulched soil and water in well. Expect the colour to deepen and the clump to widen as the weather warms.

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 groundcover plants
• Plants for mass planting
• Rockery plants with colour
• Low growing plants for garden edges

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Red Threads?

Plant 30cm apart for a continuous carpet or a low hedge. Wider gaps take longer to close, and closer planting gains you little.

Will it survive frost?

No. It is frost tender, and frost burns the foliage. In cool winter areas treat it as a warm season planting, or grow it in pots that can move under cover.

Does it need clipping?

Clipping keeps it dense and neat, and it is essential for a tidy low hedge. If you leave it unclipped, balls of cream white flowers appear above the foliage.