Gomphrena–commonly called globe amaranth–is grown for its bright-colored upright spikes of clover-like flowerheads. The flowers are composed of dense clusters of stiff, papery bracts. Flower colors include shrimp, orange, rose, magenta, and purple.
Gomphrena blooms from summer to frost. It is a showy addition to sunny flower borders and rock gardens. It’s also a traditional addition to dried everlasting bouquets.
There are about 90 species in the Gomphrena genus, both annuals, and perennials. Mature plants can tolerate fairly dry soil.
Get to Know Gomphrena
- Plant type: Tender annual
- Growing Zones and range: All zones
- Hardiness: Killed by frost, thrives in heat
- Height and width: 6 to 24 inches (15-61cm) tall; 10 to 20 inches (25-50cm)wide.
- Foliage: Oval to lance-shaped leaves are covered with soft hairs.
- Flowers: Cloverlike flower heads about 1 inch (2.5cm) wide, several flowers per stem
- Flower colors: Pink, white, purple, red, orange, and purple
- Bloom time: Midsummer through fall
- Uses: Plant taller varieties in cutting garden; use lower varieties as a bedding plant in hot, dry places; cutting flower and for drying; grows well in containers; excellent cut flowers; attracts butterflies to the garden.
- Common name: Globe amaranth
- Botanical name: Gomphrena globosa
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Origin: Australia, tropical Central and South America
Where to Plant Gomphrena
- Plant Gomphrena in full sun.
- Grow Gomphrena in average, poor, to sandy, well-drained soil.
- Gomphrena prefers a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.2.
Gomphrena Uses
- Dwarf Gomphrena makes colorful edgings plants; taller varieties make good cut flowers.
- Gomphrena blossoms can be used in fresh and dried arrangements.
- Gomphrena is complemented by white flowers such as Gypsophila and Ageratum.
When to Plant Gomphrena
- Set Gomphrena seedlings in the garden in spring when all danger of frost is passed.
- Start seed indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost. For earliest bloom, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow seed outdoors a least one week after the last frost in spring.
Planting and Spacing Gomphrena
- Cover seed with 1/8 inch of soil and keep at 75° to 80°F (23°-29°C) until seeds germinate; afterward, the temperature can be reduced to 65° to 70°F (18°-21°C).
- Germination takes 7 to 14 days.
- Sow seed outdoors in smoothly prepared garden soil. Do not let the seedbed dry out.
- Thin seedlings to their permanent spacing when they are about 4 inches (10cm) tall.
- Space Gomphrena 10 to 20 inches (22-50cm) apart.
How to Water and Feed Gomphrena
- Gomphrena grows well in moderately moist soil; established plants can tolerate drought.
- Fertilize globe amaranth every 4 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer or work a 9-month slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
Gomphrena Care
- Mulch around plants with aged compost to conserve soil moisture.
- Pinch back tips for business if flowers are grown for ornamental appearance in the garden; don’t pinch back tips if you are growing flowers for cutting–allow long stems to grow.
- Stake taller varieties that may flop if not staked.
- To dry cut blossoms, pick when blooms are thoroughly mature and hang them upside down in a shaded spot.
Gomphrena Pests and Diseases
- Aphids and spider mites can sometimes be a problem.
- Gomphrena is sometimes affected by gray mold and fungal leaf spot.
Gomphrena Propagation
- Sow seeds in warm soil in early spring.
- Soak seeds in water overnight before sowing.
- Seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days at 72°F (22°C).
Globe Amaranth Varieties to Grow
- Gomphrena globosa, globe amaranth: Annual grow 12 to 24 inches (30-61cm) tall with oval to oblong flower heads 1½ inch long in shades of pink, purple, or white; this is the type often grown in gardens; there are dwarf, medium, and tall cultivars; cultivars include ‘Buddy’ which grows to 8 inches tall with bright purple flowers.
- G. haageana: Annual grows to 24 inches (61cm) tall, flowers in shades of pale red to reddish-orange’ cultivars include ‘Strawberry Fields’ is a popular red variety, and ‘Lavender Lady’ is lavender.
