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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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H1C
Botanical 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.