Iresine herbstii 'Aureoreticulata'

RHS Plant Profile

bloodleaf 'Aureoreticulata'

RHS

Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants Annual Biennial Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1C

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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