Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth)

Worth adding to any flower garden, Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth) is a charming, bushy annual boasting a profusion of clover-like flower heads composed of pink, purple or white papery bracts. Blooming from early summer to the first frost, the flowers are borne on stiff, upright branched stems. They are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Worth adding to any flower garden, Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth) is a charming, bushy annual boasting a profusion of clover-like flower heads composed of pink, purple or white papery bracts. Blooming from early summer to the first frost, the flowers are borne on stiff, upright branched stems. They are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The foliage of long and slender leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), is wooly-white when young, becoming sparsely hairy as it ages. Low maintenance, pest and disease-free, drought and heat-tolerant, Globe Amaranth is an attractive architectural element in the landscape and looks amazing at home as it makes excellent fresh cut flowers and everlasting dried arrangements.

  • Grow up to 6-24 in. tall (15-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
  • Thrives in any moderately fertile soil in full sun. Good drought tolerance once established but performs best with regular moisture throughout the growing season. Excellent heat tolerance.
  • A great choice for beds and borders, containers, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Excellent for fresh or dried flower arrangements and bouquets.
  • Low maintenance, add this charming annual plant to the landscape and you will be rewarded with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, beneficial insects.
  • In warm winter climates, such as USDA hardiness zones 9 and 11, Globe Amaranth can also be grown as a perennial.
  • No deadheading is required.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer do not prefer this plant.
  • Propagate by sowing seed at 60-65°F (15-18°C) in early spring.
  • Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
  • Pinch young plants to promote bushiness.
  • Gomphrena globosa is native to Central America.

Requirements

Hardiness 2
– 11

Heat Zones 1
– 11

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Gomphrena – Globe Amaranth
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 2'
(15cm
– 60cm)
Spread 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 6″
– 12″
(15cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage