Chicken Gizzard (Iresine diffusa f. herbstii)

Written By Kathryn Copley

This plant in the amaranth family -- with its glossy, bright red, green, white to variegated leaves -- rarely blooms in cultivation and is grown for its showy foliage. It can be grown as both an annual and as a houseplant.

In the garden, this plant requires moist though well-drained soil and full sun for the best color. It grows 12- to 18-in. tall and 12- to 36-in. wide. Pinching back is recommended to maintain shape and to promote bushier foliage, and removing buds concentrates the plant's energy in producing its colorful foliage.

‘Brilliantissima’ features purplish-red leaves with pink veins. ‘Aureoreticulata’ features green leaves with yellow veins. Generally grown as an annual in cooler climates, Iresine herbstii can be brought indoors in the winter and grown as a houseplant in a soil-based loamy potting mix. As a houseplant, it needs warm temperatures and bright indoor light with morning sun, but it needs some protection from direct afternoon summer sun. If a plant becomes leggy, it is not getting enough light. Keep soils consistently moist in the growing season, but reduce moisture from fall to late winter. Pruning can maintain a height of 12- to 18-in. tall and plants grown indoors may be taken outdoors in summer. Cuttings easily root in water to produce new plants each year.

This low-maintenance plant has no serious insect or disease problems, but it is susceptible to powdery mildew. Watch for aphids and spider mites.

Iresine diffusa f. herbstii Leaves ekenitr CC BY-NC 2.0

Iresine diffusa f. herbstii Green leaves Forest and Kim Starr CC-BY-2.0

By Kathryn Copley, Extension Master Gardener SM Volunteer, Brunswick County, NC
For more information on gardening in Brunswick County, please call the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office, 910.253.2610.

👉 Click here for a printable pdf version.

Kathryn Copley
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