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Annual Biennial

Gomphrena globosa

bachelor's button

An upright, bushy annual with oblong leaves to 15cm long, covered densely with white hair when young, later sparsely. From summer to early autumn it bears spherical flower heads composed of pink, purple or white papery bracts; these are good for cutting

Other common names
globe amaranth
globe flower
see morered globe everlasting
devil's clover
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple White Green
Autumn Pink Purple White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

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

Gomphrena are spreading or bushy annuals with opposite, simple, ovate leaves and tiny flowers in dense heads, with colourful bracts

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Guatemala, Panama

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant out after the last frosts into any moderately fertile soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 15-18°C in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Bedding
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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