Red Winner Anthurium

Red Winner Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum 'Red Winner') is the textbook anthurium: broad, heart shaped leaves topped by glossy red blooms on long stems, each centred on a pale cream yellow spike. It grows 60 to 80cm tall and about 60cm wide, and the handsome foliage looks good all year. It suits indoor rooms and frost free, shady subtropical borders.

Why you'll love it

• A true classic. Glossy red heart shaped flowers on long stems are the look most people picture when they think of an anthurium.
• Cream yellow centres. Each red spathe carries a pale spike that lifts the flower and gives it clear definition.
• Good leaves year round. The big heart shaped foliage stays attractive in every season, so the plant never looks bare between flowers.
• Long lasting. The heart shaped flowers hold their shape for a long time, on the plant or in a vase.
• Flowers where others cannot. It blooms in shade, so it handles the dim side of the house, the covered patio or a bright indoor corner.

Where it works best

Shady subtropical borders. In a frost free garden, plant 50cm apart under trees and tall shrubs. The glossy leaves reflect what little light reaches them.

Indoor rooms. Anthuriums make lovely houseplants. A bright spot with filtered light and no direct sun suits Red Winner well.

Pots and containers. A good sized pot with drainage keeps the plant tidy and portable, and moves easily to a warm spot for winter.

Growing Red Winner Anthurium in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight. Bright, filtered light gives the best flowering. It must be protected from frost and thrives in humid conditions, so outdoors it suits the tropics and frost free subtropics, and elsewhere it is an indoor plant.

Soil. Light, free draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulch garden plantings, and use a quality potting mix in pots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, about 12 weeks, and keep it moist in dry spells. Slow release fertiliser in spring and half strength liquid feed every two to four weeks through the warm months.

Pruning. Remove spent flower stems and old leaves at the base. Wash your hands after handling, since the sap can irritate skin, and repot container plants at the start of spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Winner Anthurium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. It is slow growing when young and raised from tissue culture, so it takes a season or two to fill out. Our grower supplies the tube, and supply comes and goes. If it shows as sold out, the grower has none right now: press the notify button on the page and we email you the day it returns.

Plants travel upright. Unpack promptly, pot up or plant out into a sheltered spot, and water in well.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor flowering plants
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• Shade gardening in Australia

Common questions

Where outdoors does Red Winner grow best?

In a frost free, shady, sheltered position, such as a subtropical garden border or a covered patio in the tropics. In cooler places, grow it indoors.

Does it make a good cut flower?

Yes. The long stems and long lasting heart shaped flowers suit a vase, and cutting a few blooms from a mature plant does no harm.

Is Red Winner safe around pets?

No. The leaves contain a poisonous substance, and the sap can irritate skin. Plant it away from areas where children and pets play.