Gomphrena, Also Known as Globe Amaranth

Grow this one flower and reap lots of benefits. Include gomphrena, also known as globe amaranth, in the garden, containers and cut or dried flower arrangements.

You and the butterflies will enjoy the colorful round flowers all summer long. Grow this annual in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is very heat tolerant and fairly drought tolerant. Avoid drought stress to keep them looking their best.

Plant in mass, mix with other flowers or use them in containers for vertical interest.

The true flowers are insignificant, but the colorful bracts that make up the clover-like flower heads provide the beauty. You’ll find red, pink, purple, lilac, violet and white cultivars.

Check out Ping Pong, a new gomphrena variety with more flower power. This variety grows 16 to 20 inches tall and 8 to 10 inches wide with white, lavender or purple flowers.

A bit more information: You can start them from seeds indoors or directly in the garden. Sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost indoors for earlier flowering in the garden. Plant them directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed and garden soil has been prepared.