Formosa Bloodleaf Iresine diffusa f. herbstii
Other Common Name(s):
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'
- 'Aureoreticulata', ‘Brilliantissima’
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Aureoreticulata'
- ‘Brilliantissima’
- '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.
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-
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
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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
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-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stem matches/enhances leaf color
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Design Feature:
- Border