Amaranthus cruentus var. erythrostachys 'Oeschberg'
Words: Graham Rice
When we think of Amaranthus, most of us think of love-lies-bleeding, A. caudatus, with it’s long red tassels. But in the trial of amaranthus held at Wisley back in 2009, this species was favoured with no awards at all. True, some entries are still being investigated, which is partly why it’s taken so long for the awards to be ratified; awards to A. caudatus entries may follow. But at the moment the awards are confined to two other species.
Perhaps the pick of them all, given a unanimous AGM by the assessment panel, was Amaranthus cruentus var. erythrostachys ‘Oeschberg’ which I picked out when I wrote about the trial when it was at its peak in my new plants blog. Praised for its spectacular dark foliage and the fact that every single plant was of the same AGM quality, the upright plants reach about 90cm/3ft, sometimes more, and branch well from low down. Each side shoot tends to grow upright rather than spread out and the result is a striking specimen.
The flower heads are deep crimson, a lovely rich shade, and as well as making a bold focal point in the garden they can also be cut fresh, or can be dried. When cutting for fresh use, cut when three quarters of the flowers are open; they last up to ten days. When cutting for drying, leave the heads until they feel firm and the seed has begun to set then hang them upside down for about ten days – the warmer the situation, the more colour is retained.
Seed can be sown in April, either where it’s to flower or in pots and grown on like a half-hardy annual; growing in pots helps you site them exactly where you need them. In the garden, try ‘Oeschberg’ with the frilly fragrant red Dianthus ‘Red Feather’ and Nicotiana ‘Lime Green’ or with rusty or orange dahlias.
More AGM amaranthus
The other entries which gained an AGM were:
- Amaranthus cruentus Autumn Palette Group
- Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains'
- Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Golden Giant'
- Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Marvel Bronze'