Amaranthus caudatus
love-lies-bleeding
A bushy, erect annual or biennial, with large ovate leaves and drooping, crimson tassel-like racemes of tiny flowers in summer and autumn
Other common names
carelesschenile plant
see morefloramor
Inca wheat
lady's riding whip
teasel flower
thrumwort
velvet flower
cat tail
tassel flower
tumbleweed
Synonyms
Amaranthus caudatus green-leaved
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered site. Will tolerate poor soil, but then requires watering freely during dry periods in summer. Large enough to make an architectural feature, the flowers can be used for fresh or dried arrangements and birds love the seedheads
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in-situ in mid-spring , thin to 60cm apart
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus
Get involved
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