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Annual Biennial

Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch'
  • RHS AGM

prince's feather 'Pygmy Torch'

A compact annual with lance-shaped green leaves and erect, deep maroon inflorescences, good for drying

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Amaranthus can be upright or spreading annuals or short-lived perennials, with simple leaves and tiny flowers borne in dense, erect or pendulous, catkin-like inflorescences in summer and autumn

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost such as John InnesNumber 2, in full sun in a sheltered position. Outdoors grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered position

Propagation

Sow seed at 20°C (68°F) in mid spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

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