Overview
Iresine 'Purple Lady' is a bushy bedding in the genus Iresine, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Iresine 'Purple Lady' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include houseplants and patio and container plants.
About
Iresine 'Purple Lady' is a bushy, evergreen cultivar of the Iresine genus, known for its simple, oval-shaped leaves that often display vivid colours. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, suitable for chalk, clay, loam, or sand types with a range of pH levels. It is ideal as a houseplant or for patio and container planting, particularly in conservatories or greenhouses. 'Purple Lady' is best propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring and is of interest during summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iresine
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Iresine 'Purple Lady' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iresine 'Purple Lady'
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in late winter or early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iresine 'Purple Lady'?
Iresine 'Purple Lady' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iresine 'Purple Lady' need?
Iresine 'Purple Lady' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Iresine 'Purple Lady' hardy in the UK?
Iresine 'Purple Lady' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Iresine 'Purple Lady'?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late winter or early spring.
