Amaranthus is a genus of about 60 species including Amaranthus caudatus — commonly called kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, love lies bleeding, tassel flower or hanging amaranthus — a popular annual frequently found in cottage style gardens, borders, beds and containers.
Amaranthus caudatus is easy to grow. It prefers a location with full sun for at least half the day. Sow seeds directly where you want the plants to bloom.
Water and fertilize regularly and you will quickly be rewarded with three- to four-foot specimens filled with tropical-looking leaves and masses of colorful tassels that can last for weeks on the plant.
Blooms of love lies bleeding will add color, texture and dimension to almost any floral arrangement. Fresh-cut stems can last more than a week.
The versatile blooms can also be dried and they tend to retain their color for a considerable time. In fact, the genus name Amaranthus comes from the Greek word auapavboc, meaning “one that does not wither” or “unfading.”
As the season ends, the flowers will be full of seeds. You can allow a few plants to self-seed for next year or you can collect the seeds and save them for later use.
Leaves and seeds of other species of the genus Amaranthus have been eaten for centuries worldwide.
For information, call 909-798-9384.
Source: Joyce Dean, a member of the Garden and Floral Arrangers Guild
