Iresine herbstii aka Bloodleaf

Iresine herbstii is a leafy plant in the amaranth family. Gardeners know it as bloodleaf, beefsteak plant, or chicken gizzard. Sources differ on its South American origin. The RHS lists Peru, while Useful Tropical Plants lists Brazil. It has also become naturalized in Malaysia. There, it grows beside forests and along forest paths. It is a herbaceous perennial, though its life may be short. Gardeners also grow it as an annual for summer beds.

The plant has an upright, bushy shape with bright leaves. Garden height ranges from about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres). Its spread reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). The RHS gives one to two years to reach full size. Waxy, oval leaves reach about three inches long. Their colours include green, yellow, deep red, and orange. Strongly contrasting veins add to the leaf pattern. The stems may be green, red, or purple. Sources describe the foliage as either deciduous or evergreen. Small greenish-white flowers offer little visual interest compared with the leaves.

Bloodleaf grows in full sun or light shade. Under glass, give it strong light but shade from hot sun. It grows best in rich, moist soil that drains well. The RHS lists clay, chalk, loam, and sand as suitable. It also accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. For pots under glass, use peat-free compost with a loam base. Water freely during growth and feed monthly with balanced liquid fertiliser. In winter, keep the compost only slightly moist.

This plant needs warmth and shelter from cold, drying winds. Useful Tropical Plants reports damage below 2°C. The RHS rates it H1C, for outdoor growing in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–12. Its leaf colours suit beds, borders, and garden edges. It also suits patio pots, greenhouses, and conservatories. Growers use it as an accent among other plants. It needs no routine pruning. Take softwood cuttings in late winter or early spring.

Serious pest and disease problems are not usual. Still, aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew can affect it. People extract red colouring from the leaves for agar jellies. This use does not establish the leaves as a salad food. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known medicinal uses or hazards. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.