Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’: The Ideal Low-Maintenance, Colourful Groundcover
When it comes to vibrant groundcovers that add a splash of colour to your garden year-round, few plants compare to Alternanthera 'Little Ruby'. This stunning plant has become a favourite among Australian gardeners with its deep burgundy foliage, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance nature. Whether you’re looking to create a striking contrast in your garden beds or add a lush, rich tone to your landscaping, ‘Little Ruby’ is a must-have.
Why Choose Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’?
Striking Foliage Colour
The most outstanding feature of ‘Little Ruby’ is its stunning, deep ruby-red leaves, which bring warmth and richness to any garden setting. Unlike other groundcovers, it maintains its vibrant colour throughout the year, making it a fantastic choice for adding year-round interest.
Compact and Low-Maintenance
Growing to a neat, low-spreading mound of approximately 30–40cm high and 60–90cm wide, ‘Little Ruby’ is perfect for gardeners who want a lush, dense groundcover without the hassle of frequent pruning.
Sun-Loving Yet Hardy
This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and is remarkably resilient to heat and humidity. It performs exceptionally well in Australian gardens, handling our warm summers with ease.
Drought-Tolerant and Easy to Care For
Once established, ‘Little Ruby’ is fairly drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. A little watering in dry spells and occasional trimming to maintain shape is all it needs to flourish.
Growing the Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’
Position: Plant in full sun for the best colour development. It will also tolerate part shade but may lose some vibrancy in lower light.
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil with added organic matter for optimal growth.
Watering: Water regularly after planting until established. Once mature, it requires minimal watering, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
Fertilising: A slow-release fertiliser applied in spring will promote lush growth and vibrant colour.
Pruning: Light pruning every few months will encourage a denser, more compact growth habit.
Perfect for Every Garden Style
Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’ is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of garden designs, such as: mass planting (to create a stunning visual effect by planting in large drifts), borders and edging (for defining garden beds and pathways), container gardening (for adding colour to pots and planter boxes), and understory planting (to beautifully complement taller plants).
For gardeners looking to inject colour, texture, and easy-care beauty into their landscapes, Alternanthera ‘Little Ruby’ is an unbeatable choice. Whether used as a feature groundcover or as a striking contrast plant in mixed beds, it delivers year-round appeal with minimal effort. Visit Kenthurst Nursery today to grab your ‘Little Ruby’ and elevate your garden’s charm!