Family: Amaranthaceae
Common Name: Bloodleaf

There are about 80 species of these quick-growing perennials, originally from South America, but only a few are in cultivation. Grown for their brilliantly coloured foliage, they look very attractive in a mixed border. In cool climates, they are treated as annuals, as they die right down in winter, and are incorporated into summer bedding displays.

Species

I. herbstii, bloodleaf or beefsteak plant, an annual or short-lived perennial, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with beautiful, red and violet leaves. Pinch out flower spikes as they appear so the plant does not put its resources into setting seed and will continue to grow its decorative foliage. Cultivar 'Aureoreticulata' has greenish, yellow-veined leaves with red stems.

I. lindenii has finer, spear-shaped, glossy leaves which are usually a deep, blood red colour, but which become paler toward the centre vein.

Cultivation

Plants for summer bedding are propagated from stem-tip cuttings taken in late summer and rooted under glass. They are wintered in a warm greenhouse and prop­agated again in early spring to provide young plants for planting out when frosts are over. For best colour, plant in a sunny position.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.