Iresine herbstii 'Variegated Heart' sin. 'Aureoreticulata'

Iresine herbstii 'Variegated Heart' syn. 'Auroreticulata'  is a shrubby herbaceous perennial with variegated leaves in light yellow, red and green. Decorative in the garden or in containers alone or in combination with other plants.

Easy to grow plant, with very decorative light yellow foliage with green and red veins. Coming from South America, it belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. Outdoor perennial in mild climate areas, elsewhere it should be placed in a greenhouse or apartment. It reproduces easily from cuttings. Magnificent in raised pots because if not pruned, it tends to be procumbent.

Classification
Common name: Iresine, Bloodleaf, Chicken gizzard, Beefsteak plant, Herbst's Bloodleaf
Genus and species: Iresine herbstii.
Cultivar: 'Variegated Heart'.
Family: Amaranthaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Erect feathery spikes.
Flower color: Golden yellow.
Flowering period: Late winter, early spring.
Leaves: Light yellow heart-shaped with green and red-purple veins with crimson red lobed apex.
Perfume: -
Dimensions: Reaches 60 cm in height and width.

Cultivation
Exposure: Partial shade, shade; with too much sun the leaves tend to shrink.
Soil: Any, fertile, well-draining.
Irrigation: Average. It recovers very well if sagged after dehydration.
Frost resistance: USDA 10.

Care
Pruning: Trimming or low cutting to restore shape and liveliness to the foliage.
Propagation: From top cutting above 20°C.

Notes of interest
Herbal properties: Herbal properties: Iresine is used in traditional medicine: it contains several bioactive substances that are used to treat various diseases. Used as an astringent, tonic, purifying, diuretic, as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory.
Awards: Plant RHS Award Garden Merit (AGM).