Itattracts butterfliesand takes the summer heat without missing a beat.
Its bright pom-poms last a long time in fresh and dried arrangements.
You have to look closely to see globe amaranths tiny white or yellow flowers.
Credit: Blaine Moats
It also grows well in containers.
Globe amaranth doesnt like alkaline soil, soamend the garden soil pHif needed.
InUSDA Zones 2-8, globe amaranth is an annual.
Credit: Blaine Moats
In Zones 9-11, it can be grown as a short-lived perennial.
The germination rate is low using this method, so use lots of seeds.
Whichever method you choose, pinch back young plants to create a bushier habit.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Globe Amaranth Care Tips
Globe amaranth plants areeasy-to-grow annuals.
Some plants can grow to 24 inches tall and may need to be staked to keep them from flopping.
Cutting flowers may encourage additional blooms.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Light
Globe amaranthgrows best in full sun, at least 6 hours a day.
Soil and Water
Globe amaranth needs average, well-drained soil witha decent amount of organic matter.
It will grow in sandy or poor soil if it isnt too alkaline.
Credit: Denny Schrock
If needed, amend the soil to improve the pH.
Once established, globe amaranth tolerates drought, but it performs best when givensupplemental water throughout the growing season.
Fertilizer
Globe amaranth doesnt need regular applications of fertilizer.
Credit: Bryan McCay
Theaddition of compostat planting time or a compost mulch for established plants helps build healthy, supportive soil.
Pruning
Other than pinching back the stems to encourage bushy growth, globe amaranth doesnt require pruning.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage as it occurs.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Larger varieties require larger pots and pair well with mounding or trailing companion plants.
Fill the container withcommercial potting soiland position it in full sun.
There is no need to repot this annual.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Pests and Problems
Globe amaranth is unaffected by most pests.
However, cool and damp weather may cause problems withpowdery mildewandfungal leaf spots.
Globe amaranth is also deer and rabbit-resistant.
Credit: John Reed
They can be moved to a new location or given away.
The newer cultivar Pink Zazzle delivers huge blooms on extremely drought-tolerant, free-flowering plants.
It grows to 18 inches tall.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Bicolor Rose Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosaBicolor Rose offers dusty-rose flowers that fade to white at the top.
It grows 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide.
It grows to 18 inches tall.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Lavender Lady Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosaLavender Lady bears lavender-pink flowers on 2-foot-tall plants.
QIS Purple Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosaQIS Purple bears glowing cerise-purple flowers on a 2-foot-tall plant.
Strawberry Fields Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena haageanaStrawberry Fields offers unusualred flowers.
It grows 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
Globe Amaranth Companion Plants
Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowersmake people ooh and ahh.
Some varieties of this annual look like a blue rose.
Its such an elegant flower youd never guess its native to American prairies.
Theyre extremely tricky to grow from seed, so start with established seedlings.
Plant them in rich, well-drained soil in full sun after all danger of frost has passed.
Keep them moist, but dont overwater.
Use it in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and homemade potpourri.
This easy-to-grow, sun-loving annual is from Australia and is an excellent pick for hot, dry sites.
Plant it outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in spring.
Zones 8-11
Zinnia
Want fast color for just pennies?
To attract the most, plant tall red or hot pink zinnias in a large patch.
Big Red is especially nice for this; the flowers are outstanding and excellent for cutting.
In the spring, the plant begins to grow again.
Globe amaranth starts blooming in early summer and doesnt stop until frostno deadheading required.
