Globe amaranth

Gomphrena globosa, on its common name Globe amaranth is a bushy annual plant found in a variety of habitats from open, sandy soils to moist woodland in Australia and Central and South America. The persistent, clover-like flowerheads are borne on upright spikes from summer to early autumn. The individual flowers are inconspicuous, but the stiff, papery bracts that form the bulk of the structure are colorful and showy. Various cultivars come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange and white.

Gomphrena does best in a place with full sun and prefers moist, moderately-fertile, well-drained soil, but will also tolerates dry conditions once established. Water it in very dry conditions. Use it in an annual border or as summer bedding. The flowerheads are good for cutting and drying since they retain their shape and color well.

You can propagate Gomphrena by sowing seeds indoors in early spring, 6-8 weeks before last frost, at 15-18 Celsius degrees (59-64 F). Soaking the seeds for a day or two before planting will speed germination. Do not cover the seed as it requires light to germinate. Plant outside after hardening off after all danger of frost has passed. Pinch out the first flowers to encourage a bushier plant with more flowers or let them grow for a more open look. They will bloom much better if regularly cut.