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How to Grow Fairview Flame

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Fairview Flame

Iresine herbstii 'Fairview Flame'

flower

Fairview Flame is a striking ornamental foliage plant known for its vibrant red and burgundy leaves that intensify in bright light. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and is prized for container gardening, borders, and tropical-style landscapes. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers, but the dramatic foliage is the main attraction.

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Example Fairview Flame timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Fairview Flame

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Fairview Flame blooms

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Fairview Flame dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours of direct sun daily for best color intensity
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter.
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 30-45 days to develop full color
🌱
Planting depth: Plant transplants at soil level; seeds barely covered (1/8 inch)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; grow as an annual in cooler zones or overwinter indoors

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with pale green leaves emerge within 7-10 days

Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F), keep soil moist, provide bright light

2

Young Plant

3-4 weeks

Small plants with 4-6 true leaves begin showing hints of red coloration

Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness

3

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and fuller foliage; red and burgundy coloration becomes pronounced

Provide consistent moisture and full sun. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch tips regularly to maintain shape

4

Mature Plant

Throughout growing season

Dense, colorful foliage plant with characteristic red and burgundy leaves; small flower spikes may appear

Continue regular fertilizing and watering. Prune to maintain desired shape. Color intensifies with more sunlight

5

End of Season

1-2 weeks before frost

Plant may become leggy or lose lower leaves as season progresses

Cut back hard and bring indoors before frost, or allow to decline. Can be overwintered indoors in bright location

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dusty Miller Coleus Impatiens Begonias Caladiums Purple Heart Sweet Potato Vine

Avoid planting near:

Invasive fast-growing vines Tall shade-producing plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; strong water spray to dislodge; introduce ladybugs

  • Increase humidity, spray with neem oil or miticide, remove heavily infested leaves

  • Isolate plant, treat with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs

  • Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, increase air circulation

Uses

🏠

Container and Landscape Ornamental

Household

Fairview Flame is exceptional in container gardens, mixed borders, and tropical-style landscapes. Its intense red and burgundy foliage provides year-round color as an annual in temperate zones. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements and Design

Craft

The vibrant leaves are useful in floral design and tropical-themed arrangements. Cut foliage lasts several days in water and adds dramatic color to designs. [source]

🏠

Indoor Houseplant

Household

Fairview Flame adapts well to bright indoor conditions and can be overwintered indoors in containers. It thrives on sunny windowsills and under grow lights. [source]

🦋

Garden Pollinator Support

Wildlife

While grown primarily for foliage, the small flowers attract beneficial insects including pollinators. The colorful foliage also provides visual interest in butterfly and pollinator gardens. [source]

Harvest Tips

Fairview Flame is not harvested for culinary purposes. Pinch and remove growing tips regularly (starting when plant has 4-6 leaves) to promote bushier, fuller growth. Cuttings can be rooted in water or moist soil for propagation.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Fairview Flame's red color intensifies with more sunlight exposure; plants grown in shade may remain mostly green or pale red
  • 🌱 The plant is native to South America and is related to the cockscomb flower family (Amaranthaceae), though it's grown for foliage rather than flowers
  • 🌱 Iresine herbstii is sometimes called 'Bloodleaf' due to its deep red coloration, and has been a popular bedding plant since the Victorian era

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial Transplant True Leaves
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