Iresine herbstii

RHS Plant Profile
Herbst's bloodleaf

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Herbst's bloodleaf visionspictures.com

Other common names

beef plant, chicken gizzard, beefsteak plant

Synonyms

Achyranthes herbstii hort.

Award of Garden Merit
Annual Biennial

An erect, bushy annual or short-lived perennial to 1.5m tall. It bears waxy, ovate leaves to 8cm long, variously variegated mid-green, yellow, deep red or orange, often with vividly contrasting veins; these are borne on green, red or purple stems. Grow as a foliage plant in summer bedding schemes

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or 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
Deciduous
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
Correct
Plant Range
Peru

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

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews