Iresine herbstii 'Aureoreticulata'
bloodleaf 'Aureoreticulata'
A bushy annual, or short-lived perennial, with pointed, oval, waxy leaves up to 8cm long, bright green with prominent yellow veins and red stems. The flowers are insignificant. Grow under glass, or use for bedding

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green Yellow Variegated | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Yellow Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green Yellow Variegated | ||
| Winter | Red | Green Yellow Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Iresine can be annuals or evergreen perennials with simple, ovate leaves, usually brightly coloured or patterned, with insignificant terminal spikes of whitish flowers in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors during the summer in moderately fertile soil with protection from cold, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Flower borders and beds
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch back young plants, and hard prune mature plants, in spring to encourage bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.