Iresine lindenii 'Variegata'

They will grow in full sun, semi-shade or shade, although the brightest colours are generally obtained in stronger light. They prefer free draining, moist soils for best growth, however I have seen them growing in sand, puggy clay and in low-lying areas that flood. To get the best from your plants, prepare the soil incorporating organic matter and mulch. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilisers, which may encourage soft growth and a dilution in foliage colour. Iresines thrive in frost-free warm temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. However, as English, European and North American gardeners found over a century ago, these are easy plants to incorporate for summer colour. Plant when the soi s warm both day and night

Take softwood cuttings from new growth early in the day in Spring or early Summer. Cut, neatly, a 4" approx. piece of a non-flowering shoot, pinch out the tip, and cut off the bottom leaves. Dip the bottom of the cutting in hormone rooting powder, and carefully place in a pot of cutting compost with the leaves just above the level of the compost. Water, label, cover with a polythene bag, and place in a warm, bright place, out of direct sunlight. Take the polythene bag off periodically for a while for ventilation (at least twice a week)