Iresine herbstii (Iresine, bloodleaf, beefsteak plant)

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Plant description

Iresine is a soft leaved perennial shrub grown for the brightly coloured foliage. There are cultivars with variously coloured leaves from red to reddish brown or purple to green and yellow. The flowers are cream and insignificant. They originate from Brazil, so are suited to warmer climates, as they don't tolerate frost. They can be grown as an annual in temperate and cooler climates. They are fast growing plants, with naturally bushy growth. Top pruning will ensure more dense growth. Iresine makes an excellent container plant, as well being good specimen plants or for low borders and mass planting.

Iresine will grow well in either semi shade to a sunny position. They will need some protection from the hottest summer sun to prevent leaf scorch. They like a fertile well drained soil.

Propagation is from tip cuttings, which root readily.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: cream
Flowering season: spring summer

Plant size

Maximum height: 1 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 1 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Pests

Mealy bug, mites, aphids

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

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