Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf)

A popular foliage plant, Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf) is a short-lived tender perennial that is usually grown as a summer bedding annual or houseplant in most areas. While the flowers are inconspicuous and present no interest, the oval purple-red leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), are incredibly showy. Usually notched at their tips, they display contrasting hot-pink midribs and veins. Easy to grow and low maintenance, Bloodleaf is terrific as a bedding annual or planted in containers where it never fails to add drama. Bring indoors for winter beyond its hardiness range.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall and wide (30-90 cm) and up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) in its native habitat.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Keep soils consistently moist in the growing season, but reduce moisture from fall to late winter.
• Perfect addition to beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens or containers.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, aphids and spider mites.
• Pinch tips to encourage bushy growth. Pinch out flower buds to concentrate plant energies on the foliage.
• Propagate by cuttings taken in fall, which may be easily rooted in water, to produce new plants for spring and summer display.
• Native to Brazil, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru.