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Annual BiennialBedding

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'

An upright, frost-tender annual with stems to 1.5m tall, with ovate, green leaves and large spikes of coppery-orange flowers, from summer into autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Bronze Green
Autumn Orange Bronze Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Direct sow seed outside, thinning seedlings to about 40cm apart, or sow seed under glass in pots or trays. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun in a sheltered site. Plants may need staking in exposed sites

Propagation

Propagate by seed

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

No pruning required. Pinch out or prune the tip of the main stem when young, to encourage branching

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

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