Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa
A heat-loving annual grown for its round, clover-like flower heads of papery bracts in magenta, purple, pink, white or orange. The everlasting blooms keep their color when dried and stand up beautifully to summer heat and humidity.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Globe amaranth is a tough, upright annual that thrives in heat and humidity where many flowers fade. Its name comes from the spherical flower heads made of stiff, papery bracts that look freshly colored even when dry.
It blooms nonstop through summer and into fall with little care, making it a dependable choice for borders, containers and everlasting bouquets.
How to identify it
- Bushy plant 1-2 ft (30-60 cm) tall with stiff, branching stems
- Leaves are oval, slightly hairy and mid- to grey-green, set opposite on the stems
- Flower heads are round to oval, clover-like globes about 1 in across, composed of papery bracts
- Colors include magenta, purple, pink, white, lavender and orange
- The dry, crisp texture distinguishes it from soft-petaled flowers
Care & growing
- Light: Full sun for best color and form
- Water: Low to moderate; very drought-tolerant once established
- Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates poor ground
- Temperature: Loves heat and humidity; thoroughly frost-tender
- Feeding: Minimal; too much fertilizer favors leaves over flowers
- Propagation: From seed started indoors or direct-sown after the soil warms
Nearly maintenance-free; pinch young plants for bushiness and harvest blooms at peak color for drying.
Habitat & origin
Native to Central America, including parts of Panama and Guatemala, where it grows in warm, sunny conditions.
Grown worldwide as a summer annual in beds, borders, containers and cutting gardens, and especially valued in hot, humid climates.
Frequently asked questions
Are globe amaranth flowers really everlasting?
Yes, the papery flower heads keep their color and shape when dried, making them a classic everlasting for arrangements.
Does globe amaranth tolerate heat and humidity?
Exceptionally well. It thrives in hot, humid summers that wilt many other annuals, blooming nonstop until frost.
How do I dry globe amaranth?
Cut stems when the blooms are fully colored and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place for a couple of weeks.
Globe Amaranth guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Globe Amaranth.
How to Care for Globe Amaranth
Grow cheerful, drought-tolerant Globe Amaranth with tips on full sun, watering, soil and feeding for long-lasting clover-like blooms.
Globe Amaranth Identification Guide
Recognize globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) by its round, clover-like papery flower heads in magenta, purple, pink, and white, held on stiff, branching stems.
Globe Amaranth identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
