Amaranthus hybridus

RHS Plant Profile
pilewort

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Other common names

callaloo, tampala

Annual Biennial Bedding

An annual plant with an upright growth habit and flower spikes. Green stems, leaves and flowers can be tinged with red colouring. Flowers are produced in summer and autumn. Seeds provide food for birds

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
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, Columnar upright
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Seeds can be sown direct or started in pots or trays indoors in spring. Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered site. Can self-seed

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pinch out main stem to encourage branching. Cut down after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus