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.
Uses & benefits
- Ornamental: Long-blooming bedding and container plant tolerant of heat and drought
- Floristry: A premier everlasting; flowers hold shape and color for dried arrangements and crafts
- Ecological: Nectar source for bees and butterflies
- Cultural: Used in garlands and traditional teas in some regions
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.
Is globe amaranth safe around pets?
Yes, it is generally considered non-toxic and is not known to harm cats or dogs.
Globe Amaranth guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Globe Amaranth.
Globe Amaranth identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
