About
A bushy annual, or short-lived perennial, with pointed, oval, waxy leaves up to 8cm long, vivid green with prominent yellow veins and red stems. The flowers are insignificant. Grow under glass, or use for bedding.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationUnder 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
PruningPinch back young plants, and hard prune mature plants, in spring to encourage bushiness
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews