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© Aleksandr_Levon, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Overview
Gomphrena globosa is an upright herbaceous annual reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Foliage opposite, oblong-elliptic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, mid-green with hairy stems and leaves. Inflorescences globular to short-cylindrical clover-like heads, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) across, composed of papery bracts in magenta, purple, pink, white, red, or orange. Bracts hold their color when dried and are commonly cut for everlasting bouquets and dried wreaths. Bloom continues from early summer through first hard frost (June-October in most temperate zones). Heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant once established; flowers continue through 95-100°F (35-38°C) without slowing. Tender to frost; foliage and stems collapse at 32°F (0°C). Lifespan single growing season; self-seeds modestly in warm climates.
Native Range
Gomphrena globosa is native to Central America, principally Guatemala, Panama, and southern Mexico, in seasonally dry tropical lowlands. The species has been in cultivation for over 300 years and is naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Used in cottage and cutting gardens, mixed annual borders, and pollinator plantings at 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) spacing. Common in dried flower arrangements; cut stems hung upside down in a dry, dark location dry within 7-10 days and hold color for 12-18 months. Suited to mass plantings of 15-25 plants in commercial summer color rotations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Continuous from early summer through first hard frost (June-October in zones 4-9; nearly year-round in zones 10-11). Individual flower heads hold 4-8 weeks on the plant; new heads form sequentially as side branches develop. Bracts retain color in heat and rain that fades or damages many other annual flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
magenta, purple, pink, white, red, or orangeFoliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grown in full sun in well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy, and clay soils. Soil pH 6.0-7.5 suits the species. Water moderately during establishment; mature plants tolerate 2-3 weeks without rain. Started from seed sown indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct-sown after frost danger passes; seed germinates in 10-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Pest and disease pressure is light; powdery mildew develops in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Self-seeds modestly in zones 8-11; volunteers are easy to identify by the hairy bracted seedlings.Pruning
Pinch growing tips at 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall to encourage branching. Cut flower stems for arrangements at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) length when bracts are fully colored but before stems lignify; this also acts as deadheading and encourages further branching. Cut all stems to the ground after frost in zones 4-9.Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
7 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After last frost when soil reaches 65°F (18°C)
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Plant Spacing
10 inches