Iresine diffusa f. herbstii
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Iresine herbstii
- Phonetic Spelling
- ir-es-EYE-nee dih-FEW-sa HERB-stee-eye
- Description
-
Bloodleaf is a short-lived evergreen perennial plant in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) native to Peru. In its native habitat, it can grow 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. In North Carolina, it can be grown as an annual or a houseplant.
Plant in full sun in moist but well-drained soil. It is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. As a houseplant, it can be taken outside in summer. Keep the soil evenly moist but cut back during cooler seasons. Pinch the tops to encourage bushiness and control size to under 3 feet. It is grown primarily for the leaves, so trimming off flower buds helps the plant put its energy into the foliage.
The leaves of bloodleaf are on red stems and are oval, reddish-purple with lighter red or pink mid-ribs and veins. The tip is notched and they grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are inconspicuous and add no interest. It has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Use outdoors to add color to the border or in containers or use as a houseplant.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Susceptible to powdery mildew. Watch for aphids and spider mites.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Aureoreticulata'
Green leaves with yellow veins and red stems - ‘Brilliantissima’
Reddish-purple leaves, Grows up to 1 foot.
- 'Aureoreticulata'
- 'Aureoreticulata', ‘Brilliantissima’
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Aureoreticulata'
Green leaves with yellow veins and red stems - ‘Brilliantissima’
Reddish-purple leaves, Grows up to 1 foot.
- 'Aureoreticulata'
- 'Aureoreticulata', ‘Brilliantissima’
- Tags:
-
-
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:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- 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 Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- 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
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Oval leaves are reddish-purple with a notched tip and up to 4 inches long. Stems are red; the midrib and veins are lighter red or pink.
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-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems are red
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
