Globe Amaranth: A Colorful Addition to Heat-Loving Gardens
If you’re looking for a flower that laughs in the face of summer heat and keeps blooming when other plants are wilting, globe amaranth (Gomphrena) might just be your garden’s new best friend. These cheerful, globe-shaped blooms bring a pop of color that lasts from summer well into fall, making them a favorite among gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal fuss.
What Exactly is Globe Amaranth?
Globe amaranth is a forb herb – essentially a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each year in most climates. Despite its delicate appearance, this little powerhouse is surprisingly tough. The plant produces distinctive round, papery flower heads that come in vibrant shades of purple, pink, white, red, and orange. These aren’t your typical soft petals, though – they’re more like colorful, textured pompoms that feel almost crispy to the touch.
While globe amaranth can behave as either an annual or perennial depending on your climate, most gardeners in temperate regions treat it as an annual since it won’t survive freezing temperatures.
Where Does Globe Amaranth Come From?
Originally hailing from the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, globe amaranth has made itself at home in many parts of the world. In the United States, you’ll find it growing (both cultivated and naturalized) across a wide swath of states including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, plus several U.S. territories.
It’s worth noting that globe amaranth is considered non-native throughout most of the United States, having been introduced and now reproducing on its own in the wild in many areas. While it’s not currently listed as invasive, gardeners who prefer to stick with native plants might want to consider alternatives like native sunflowers, bee balm, or blanket flower for similar color and pollinator benefits.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Globe Amaranth
There’s a lot to love about globe amaranth, but like any plant, it comes with both pros and cons:
The Good Stuff:
- Incredibly heat and drought tolerant once established
- Blooms continuously from summer through fall
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators
- Perfect for cut flowers and dried arrangements
- Low maintenance and rarely bothered by pests
- Compact size makes it great for containers and borders
Things to Consider:
- Non-native origin means it doesn’t support local ecosystems as well as native plants
- Can self-seed readily, potentially spreading beyond intended areas
- Not suitable for wet or poorly-draining soils
- Sensitive to frost and cold temperatures
Growing Globe Amaranth Successfully
If you decide globe amaranth is right for your garden, you’ll be pleased to know it’s relatively easy to grow. Here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily)
- Soil: Well-draining soil of almost any type – they’re not picky!
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates regular watering during establishment
- Climate: Heat-loving; thrives in hot, dry conditions
Planting Tips:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost
- Or direct sow outdoors after soil has warmed in spring
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart depending on variety
- In zones 9-11, globe amaranth may act as a short-lived perennial
Care and Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
- Water regularly during the first few weeks, then reduce frequency
- No fertilizer needed – they actually prefer lean soil
- Harvest flowers for drying just as they reach full color
Where Globe Amaranth Shines in the Garden
Globe amaranth is wonderfully versatile and fits into many garden styles. Its compact, bushy growth habit (typically 12-24 inches tall and wide) makes it perfect for:
- Front borders and edges
- Mass plantings for color impact
- Container gardens and window boxes
- Cutting gardens
- Drought-tolerant landscape designs
- Butterfly and pollinator gardens
Supporting Pollinators and Wildlife
While globe amaranth may not be native, it does provide nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators throughout its long blooming season. The flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies, making them a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. However, if supporting local ecosystems is a priority, consider pairing globe amaranth with native alternatives or gradually replacing it with indigenous species that provide similar benefits.
The Bottom Line
Globe amaranth is a reliable, colorful performer that’s particularly valuable in hot, dry climates where other annuals struggle. While it’s not native to North America, its current non-invasive status means it can be a reasonable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance color and pollinator support. Just be mindful of its self-seeding tendency and consider incorporating native alternatives alongside it for a more ecologically balanced garden.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener looking for something foolproof or an experienced gardener wanting reliable summer color, globe amaranth delivers on its promises – just don’t forget to save some of those gorgeous blooms for indoor arrangements!
