Annuals & Biennials

Amaranthus
amaranthus

Height 2-5 ft (60-150 cm)
Planting distance 1-3 ft (30-90 cm)
Flowers midsummer to midfall
Deep, rich soil
Full sun
Half-hardy annual

These tall dramatic plants, some with long, drooping crimson flower tassels and others with brilliantly colored foliage, deserve to be grown as focal points in formal beds of annuals. They can also be grown as pot plants in the greenhouse. The flowers are long lasting when cut and can also be dried.

Popular species and cultivars
Amaranthus hypochondriachus, also known as love-lies-bleeding, is the most popular species. Its 11/2 ft (45 cm) long plumes of blood-red flowers appear from late summer to midfall on plants 3-4 ft (90-120 cm) high. Space the plants 11/2 ft (45 cm) apart. The cultivar 'Pigmy Torch' grows to only 2 ft (60 cm) and has deep maroon upright flower spikes. 'Viridis' has pale green flowers, which are popular for flowers, which are popular for flower arranging. Amaranthus hypochondriachus, also known as prince's feather, has erect plumes of bright red flowers 6 in (15 cm) long. These appear from midsummer to midfall. The plants reach 4-5 ft (120-150 cm) high and have bronze-tinted leaves. Space the plants 3 ft (90 cm) apart. One of the cultivars developed from this species is 'Green Thumb,' which has vivid green spikes on plants 2 ft (60 cm) tall. Amaranthus tricolor is chiefly grown for its spectacular foliage: oval-shaped scarlet leaves, overlaid with yellow, bronze, and green. The plants are up to 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) high and should be set 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm) apart. Cultivars include 'Flaming Fountains' (crimson willowlike leaves), 'Illumination' (scarlet, orange, yellow, green, and bronze leaves all on one plant), and 'Joseph's Coat' (a vigorous cultivar with leaves similar to those of the species). All make good pot plants.

Annuals
and
Biennials