Alternanthera ‘Red Threads’

* Common name: Joseph’s coat ‘Red Threads’

Foliage plant with deep burgundy-red narrow leaves: Alternanthera ‘Red Threads.’

* Botanical name: Alternanthera ficoidia ‘Red Threads’

* What it is: A short annual with narrow, burgundy, almost grass-like leaves. Grown for the foliage, not flowers.

* Size: 6 inches tall, 12-15 inches in spread.

* Where to use: Adds fine texture and deep color to the edge of a sunny pot or can be planted at the front of any bed or as a walk edging.

* Care: Plant after danger of frost in mid-May. Work a balanced, granular fertilizer into the soil at planting, then fertilize with a half-strength, liquid flower fertilizer every 2 weeks in a pot planting. In-ground plantings usually won’t need more than the initial fertilizer. Yank when frost kills them in fall.

* Great partner: Yellow marigolds or ‘Zahara’ or ‘Profusion’ zinnias are good annual-flower backdrops. St. Johnswort is a good shrub partner.