This perennial is often treated as an annual and forms a rounded bushy habit with reddish stems. The ovate leaves are variegated in yellow, red or orange and have a waxy texture. It has small white flowers that appear in a large cluster during late spring.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

resine herbstii is naturally found in South America growing in Brazil along water courses and in the understory of forests. 

It prefers a well drained fertile moist sandy to silty clay soil with a pH range from 5.6 to 8.0 and grows in a protected semi shaded to sunny position and is drought and frost tender. 

The Beefsteak Plant is a colourful short lived tropical perennial that is commonly grown as an annual in cool climates. It is mass planted for bedding displays in parks and large gardens or used in perennial borders for colour contrast. It is also planted in tropical gardens establishing in 1 to 2 years and can live up to five years. To maintain a compact habit, tip prune regularly during spring. ID 110

Iresine (ee-res-EE-nay) herbstii (HAIRBST-ee-eye)

“Iresine”, from Greek eiros, “wool” (referring to the woolly branches of some species); “herbstii” commemorates Kew Gardens horticulturist, Herbst.

Amaranthaceae (AM-ar-an-THAY-see-e)