How to Grow King of Hearts
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King of Hearts
Iresine herbstii 'King of Hearts'
shrubKing of Hearts is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy to deep red heart-shaped leaves with contrasting lighter red or pink veining. This tender perennial is primarily grown as a houseplant or annual in cooler climates and serves as an excellent accent plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. Its dramatic coloring and compact growth habit make it popular for containers, hanging baskets, and mixed borders.
When should you plant King of Hearts in your zone?
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Example King of Hearts timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant King of Hearts
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest King of Hearts
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-12; grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with small oval leaves; initial color is pale green to light red before intensifying
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Provide bright indirect light. Keep soil warm (70-75°F). Thin seedlings once they develop true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops bushy growth with increasing number of heart-shaped leaves; burgundy coloration intensifies with age and light exposure
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and fuller form. Maintain consistently moist soil and humid conditions. Apply dilute balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Established Foliage
Variable; can continue indefinitely indoorsPlant reaches desired size with rich deep red to burgundy heart-shaped leaves; occasional tiny inconspicuous flowers may appear but foliage is the main feature
Continue pinching to maintain shape. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Feed monthly with balanced or slightly higher nitrogen fertilizer to support leaf production.
Maintenance
OngoingMature plant sustains attractive foliage; may become leggy if not pruned regularly or if light is insufficient
Prune regularly to maintain compact, bushy shape. Remove any weak or damaged stems. Refresh soil annually if growing in containers. Watch for pests in indoor conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water mist or insecticidal soap; isolate infested plants; use neem oil if severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil weekly until controlled
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Scrape off manually with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat applications may be needed
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation; isolate infested plants
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Plant
HouseholdKing of Hearts is an excellent houseplant for bright indirect light locations, adding dramatic color to indoor spaces year-round. It thrives in containers on windowsills, shelves, or as a hanging basket specimen. [source]
Garden Accent Plant
HouseholdIn tropical and subtropical gardens, King of Hearts serves as a stunning accent plant in mixed borders, containers, and tropical gardens where its deep red foliage contrasts beautifully with other plants. Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Displays
CraftThe attractive heart-shaped leaves make excellent additions to cut floral arrangements and foliage displays. Stems can be harvested and conditioned for use in bouquets. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Garden
WildlifeWhile primarily grown for foliage, King of Hearts occasionally produces small flowers that may attract hummingbirds and other small pollinators in outdoor settings. [source]
Harvest Tips
King of Hearts is not harvested in the traditional sense but is maintained for continuous foliage display. Pinch off growing tips regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to encourage bushier growth and better color development. Remove any leggy stems by cutting back to desired height; the plant will branch from below the cut. Cuttings can be propagated in water or moist soil to create new plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'King of Hearts' cultivar name derives from its striking heart-shaped leaves in deep red and burgundy colors, reminiscent of the playing card suit.
- 🌱 Iresine plants are also called 'Bloodleaf' plants due to their intense red coloration and prominent red or pink veining on the leaves.
- 🌱 King of Hearts is extremely easy to propagate from cuttings; almost any stem cutting will root readily in water within 1-2 weeks, making it an economical way to expand your plant collection.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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