Iresine Snowflake Amaranthaceae

Iresine bloodleaf plants are native to Brazil where they thrive in warm temperatures and bright sunlight. In their native environment, the plants reach heights of up to 5 feet (1.5 m.) with a spread of 3 feet (91 cm.), but when grown as annuals or potted plants they only grow 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) tall. The red leaves are often variegated with green and white markings and add contrast to beds and borders. They occasionally produce small, greenish white flowers, but they are not ornamental, and most growers simply pinch them off.