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Native alternative(s) for Iresine diffusa f. herbstii:
Heuchera americana Heuchera americana
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Acalypha wilkesiana Acalypha wilkesiana
Goeppertia makoyana Calathea makoyana
Ipomoea batatas Ipomea batatas

Chicken-Gizzard Iresine diffusa f. herbstii

Previously known as:

  • Iresine herbstii
Phonetic Spelling
ir-es-EYE-nee dih-FEW-sa HERB-stee-eye
Description

A flowering plant in the amaranth family with glossy bright red, green, white to variegated leaves, although it rarely blooms in cultivation and is grown for its showy foliage.  In the garden, this plant requires moist though well-drained soil and full sun for best color. Pinching back is recommended to maintain shape and removing buds concentrates the plant's energy in producing the colorful foliage. While it is generally grown as an annual in cooler climates, this tender perennial can be brought indoors in the winter and grown as a houseplant in a soil-based loamy potting mix.  Water regularly, but do not let it sit in water, give it warm temperatures and bright light. Reduce water at the outset, fall to winter, and protect from direct afternoon sun. Pruning can maintain a height of 12-18 inches.  If it becomes leggy, it is not getting enough light; cut back and the clippings may be rooted in water.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Aureoreticulata'
  • ‘Brilliantissima’
'Aureoreticulata', ‘Brilliantissima’
Tags:
#purple leaves#red leaves#showy leaves#interiorscape#low growing plant#variegated#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Aureoreticulata'
  • ‘Brilliantissima’
'Aureoreticulata', ‘Brilliantissima’
Tags:
#purple leaves#red leaves#showy leaves#interiorscape#low growing plant#variegated#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Iresine
    Species:
    herbstii
    Family:
    Amaranthaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    North Peru
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Description:
    Insignificant
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Wide variety, up to 4" long
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stem matches/enhances leaf color
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Border