Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Green Thumb'

RHS Plant Profile
prince's feather 'Green Thumb'
prince's feather 'Green Thumb' RHS 1999
Award of Garden Merit
Annual Biennial

A bushy upright-growing annual to 60cm, with large, oblong, purple leaves and erect, plume-like, bright yellow-green inflorescences from summer to early autumn. Good for cutting or drying

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in full light

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