Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Amaranthaceae
Botanical Name
IRESINE herbstii
Plant Common Name
Bloodleaf
General Description
Iresine herbstii, which has strange common names like Herbst's bloodleaf, beefsteak plant and chicken gizzard, is a short-lived perennial that is native to Brazil. Its prized for its vibrantly colored foliage, which may be red, magenta, dark purple, yellow, orange or bright green with contrasting brightly colored veins, depending on the cultivar.
In the landscape it requires full sun and moist but well drained, fertile soil. In temperate climates Herbst's bloodleaf is grown as a tender perennial and makes a superb addition to containers, colorful annual beds and mixed sunny borders. It grows robustly and strongly in the hight heat and humidity associated with tropical areas.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Native To
Brazil
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Red, Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Red, Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
