Gomphrena celosioides (prostrate globe-amaranth)

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Gomphrena spp.

globe amaranth

Amaranthaceae

Warm regions of the Americas; some species in Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Gomphrena spp. is a genus of around 120 species of annual and perennial plants in the family Amaranthaceae, native mainly to the warm regions of the Americas, with some species in Australia and Asia. Most cultivated kinds are bushy plants 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall, with paired oval leaves on slightly hairy stems. The flowers are tiny and are surrounded by stiff, papery bracts packed into rounded, clover-like heads 0.5-1.5 inches (1.5-4 cm) across, in magenta, purple, red, orange, pink, or white. Because the bracts are dry and persistent, the heads hold their color for a long time on the plant and keep it when cut and dried, a trait that places the genus among the everlasting flowers. G. globosa is the species most often grown, as a summer bedding annual and cut flower. Plants grow strongly in heat and full sun and tolerate drought once established, flowering from early summer until frost. They perform poorly in cool, damp, or shaded conditions, where growth is weak and bloom is sparse. Perennial species are frost-tender and treated as annuals outside the tropics.

Native Range

Gomphrena spp. is native chiefly to the warmer parts of the Americas, from the southern United States through Central and South America, with additional species in Australia. G. globosa originates in Central America and has been grown ornamentally for centuries.

Suggested Uses

Grown in summer bedding, borders, and containers for the long-lasting papery flower heads, and as a cut and dried flower. The heat and drought tolerance suits hot, sunny sites and low-water plantings. The persistent heads are used in everlasting arrangements and craft work.

How to Identify

Look for bushy plants with paired oval leaves and rounded, clover-like flower heads made of stiff, papery bracts in bright magenta, purple, white, or orange. The heads feel dry and crisp rather than soft, and hold their color as they age. This papery, everlasting texture separates globe amaranth from clovers, which have soft flower heads.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread8" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering runs from early summer until the first frost, a span of several months in warm climates. Each papery head lasts for weeks on the plant, and new heads form continuously at the shoot tips. The long display and persistence of the dried heads extend the season of color well into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

magenta, purple, red, orange, pink, or white

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Globe amaranth grows in full sun and average, well-drained soil, and flowers most freely in heat. Plants tolerate drought, poor soil, and humidity once established, which suits them to hot summer beds and containers. They are usually grown as annuals, sown indoors in early spring or direct-sown after the soil warms. Cool, wet, or shaded conditions lead to weak growth and powdery mildew. Spacing of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) gives bushy plants room to branch. Little feeding is needed, as rich soil produces leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

Pinch the growing tips of young plants once to encourage branching and more flower heads. Cut flower stems regularly for fresh or dried arrangements, which also prompts further bloom. Spent heads can be left, as the plants continue flowering at the tips without deadheading.