Iresine herbstiiBloodleaf

Colour in Iresine herbstii comes entirely from the leaf. The Bloodleaf carries rounded, waxy foliage in deep burgundy shot through with bright magenta veining, or in lime-green with yellow, and it holds that intensity all season without ever needing to flower.

It is used in blocks and ribbons where a scheme needs a hard colour break between two greens, and it is equally at home in interior planters under good light.

Specifications

• Height0.4 to 1 metre
• Width0.4 to 0.8 metres
• Native toTropical South America, chiefly Brazil and Ecuador
• FoliageRounded waxy leaves in deep burgundy with magenta veins, or lime with yellow veins; evergreen in warm climates
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils
• LightFull sun to partial shade; colour is strongest in good light but harsh midday sun scorches
• WaterModerate to regular; does not tolerate drying out
• ClimateThrives in tropical and subtropical regions and in conditioned interiors elsewhere

Additional Features

• UsesColour blocking, bedding ribbons, planters, interior landscaping and seasonal display
• SpacingPlant 0.3 to 0.4 metres apart for a solid colour block
• Low MaintenancePinch back regularly to keep plants dense; replace beds when they open out
• Pest ResistanceWatch for aphid and whitefly on soft new growth
• Seasonal AppealLeaf colour is held continuously rather than in a flowering flush
• VersatilityPerforms in open ground, in raised planters and in interior containers

Bloodleaf is the simplest way to put a strong, reliable block of colour into a bed without depending on a flowering season.