Amaranthus (Love-lies-bleeding)

Amaranthus are brilliant, heavy-looking plants from the tropics of the Far East. They become 3 to 5 feet tall in rich soil and only slightly smaller--and even more brilliantly colored--in poor soil. Love-lies-bleeding has large green or red leaves and great drooping, tassellike red flower heads that cascade from the tops of the plants. The leaves of prince's feather may be purple, red or green; the tips of its stems are crowned with large erect spikes of tiny bright red flowers. Fountain plant bears mounds of long, narrow leaves that turn from a bronze green to a striking orange red. The most colorful amaranthus of all is Joseph's coat; its leaves vary from reddish green at the base to a neon red at the top and some varieties seem fluorescent.

Insider's Secret

Amaranthus are extremely long lasting--one tassel may last for eight weeks before fading. They are tall enough to serve as a temporary substitute for shrubbery, but their blazing colors can overwhelm a garden if not used with discretion. They are easy to grow in any average to dry soil so long as they have full sun.

HOW TO GROW. Sow seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost is due, or in the garden, 18 to 36 inches apart, when you can be sure the night temperature will not drop below 50°. Amaranths transplant easily.

Amaranthus Tricolor

Amaranthus 'Joseph's Coat'