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Conservatory Greenhouse

Iresine lindenii

blood leaf

A bushy evergreen perennial to 90cm in height, with ovate to lance-shaped, blood-red leaves prominently veined with lighter or darker red

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

H1C

Botanical details

Family: Amaranthaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
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
Name status: Correct
Plant range: Ecuador

How to grow

Cultivation

Under 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

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late winter or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

Get involved

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