Japanese name: イレシネ リンデニー Scientific name:Iresine lindenii
[Overview]
An evergreen perennial.
The leaves are simple and opposite, long-ovate to round, pointed at the tip, with entire margins.
The leaves are dark red, but there are also cultivars with pink blotches on a green background.
The flowers are small and bloom clustered in spikes.
The fruit is a utricle.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by stem cuttings and division.
It prefers fertile soil in a sunny, well-drained site.
In poor sunlight the leaf color becomes poor.
In winter, bring it indoors to a bright place.
For potted plants, water thoroughly from spring to autumn when the soil surface dries, and keep on the dry side in winter; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release chemical fertilizer placed on the soil.
Pests and diseases include powdery mildew, aphids and spider mites.
