Some common names include globe amaranth, gomphrena, and bachelor's buttons. They are related to other Amaranth family members such as Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) Joseph's Coat (Amaranthus salicifolius) and the tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus). The genus Celosia also belongs to this family.
Globe amaranth is an annual bedding plant known for its colorful leaves or inflorescences, that came to us from tropical areas of the Old World. They were used for a long time by the Indians, and are documented as having been a part of early American gardens. In addition to their ease of culture, they were popular with our ancestors for their use as "everlastings."
Nearly all the species of this genus will retain their beauty for several years if the flower heads are gathered before too far advanced, and hung up to dry. Because of this property they were made the emblems of immortality and immutability in times of old.
Clover-like flowerheads, 1½ inches long, are borne on upright spikes from summer until frost. The tiny, white true flowers within the flowerheads are rather inconspicuous and insignificant, only being visible close up.
It is the bright magenta bracts arranged in globose, stiff, papery bracts that form the bulk of the structure and provide the real show. Dozens of individual flower heads occur on each plant ranging in colors from purple, lavender, rose, red, orange and white. The papery textured flowers are highly valued for dried arrangements.
Plants grow up to 1½ feet tall with a spread of about a foot. The branched stems are erect and stiff and the plant has a bushy appearance. The narrow green leaves are opposite, oblong, 4-6 inches long, and woolly-white when young, becoming sparsely white-hairy as they age. Taller plants may need staking.
No serious insect or disease problems. Few insects seem to bother Gomphrena but occasional loss occurs from root rot. Good drainage is essential but little fertilizer or water are necessary to produce a massive display. Although mature plants exhibit good drought resistance, plants grow best with regular moisture throughout the growing season.
Experienced gardeners always save a few flower heads from their favorite color plants to use for next year's seed. Since they are easily grown and transplanted, the seeds can be sown in a small area of the vegetable garden or flower border then transplanted to permanent locations when 2 or 3 inches tall.
To grow gomphrena for cut flowers or dried arrangements, plant closely together to force longer stems. Cut the stems just as the heads are beginning to open and hang upside down in a warm, dark place to dry. They will hold their color for several years and can be used in a variety of ways.
Seeds can be sown indoors in March. When the baby plants are an inch high they are pricked out and placed 2 inches apart in seed flats. When the weather is warm and settled, they are planted in the garden. They can also be sown directly outside in the spring.
Gomphrenas are used in rock gardens, cutting gardens, annual beds and borders. In masses, the round flowerheads produce an interesting texture, and their bright colors last late into the season. Their low stature makes them well suited for edging around taller plantings. Globe amaranth is often grown in containers on the porch or deck.
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