Gomphrena, Globe Amaranth: Bachelor Button
Gomphrena, a cheerful tiny plant that resembles a clover, has long been a fixture in traditional cutting gardens. American gardeners have relied on its pleasant bachelor button blossoms since the early 1700s. Globe amaranth has a dependable marathon bloom time with pink, purple, or white gumball blooms (from early summer until the first hard frost).
It is typically found in the front of the border where it obligingly fills in any empty spots left by ephemerals or spent spring bulbs despite its somewhat small stature (topping out at one to two feet). Gomphrena can actually endure for years when dried and makes a hardy cut flower.
To learn how to develop and take care of Gomphrena, continue reading.
Amaranth has just undergone a Cinderella-like makeover from simple, reliable little amaranth. Gomphrena’s new appearance was created by research horticulturists rather than a fairy godmother.
Breeders started creating striking new cultivars in the late 1990s, especially those bred with Rio Grande globe amaranth, a close relative.
Long-stemmed Because it is native to Texas, New Mexico, and northeastern Mexico and is taller and leaner than G. globosa, Gomphrena haageana may be able to withstand strong winds and scorching heat. Unique new choices like the vivid fuchsia “Fireworks,” stoplight red “Strawberry Fields,” and “Lavender Lady” are increasingly popular.
You will receive a plant that requires almost no maintenance and is nearly immune to pests and disease whether you stick with the traditional Gomphrena globosa or select one of the newer, flashier variations.
The globe amaranth’s brightly coloured “flowers” are actually clusters of stiff, papery bracts or modified leaves that hold the true flowers, which are tiny white or yellow trumpets that are scarcely perceptible to the naked eye. The flowers on ‘Fireworks’ have dazzling gold stamens that resemble miniature explosions on the fuchsia bracts.
Formula Book
Young plants should have their blossoms pinched back to promote a bushier habit and more blossoming.
While taller, airier cultivars of Gomphrena look great in borders planted alongside other sun-loving plants like zinnias, salvias, Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia diversifolia), and dahlias, shorter varieties of the plant work well in containers.
Although this plant does not appeal to animals, it will consistently attract butterflies to your yard.
Gomphrena should be cut as soon as the blooms are fully open for the greatest dried flowers. Remove the leaves, bundle the naked stems together, and hang them upside down in a dimly lit, dry area with good ventilation.
Maintain Life
In all zones, with the exception of zones 9 to 10, where some kinds may be perennials, grow gomphrena as an annual in full sun.
Although this plant will thrive in dry situations, it is advisable to water it when it is young and in times of drought once it has established itself. To avoid soaking the leaves and encouraging leaf spot, water at the ground level only.
Even in poor soil, globe amaranth can grow, but it needs sufficient drainage.
Although gomphrena is commonly overlooked because its flower display doesn’t begin until later in the season, it is typically accessible at garden centres in the spring. To hasten germination, soak the seeds for a day or two before planting them if you wish to cultivate your own plants. Six to eight weeks before to the anticipated last frost date, sow seeds indoors in the spring, or plant seeds directly in the ground once the earth has warmed. Because Gomphrena tends to have a low germination rate, experts suggest planting a lot of seeds. By willingly reseeding itself, this plant might occasionally establish permanent residence in the garden.
