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Annual Biennial

Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch'

prince's feather 'Pygmy Torch'

A compact annual with lance-shaped green leaves and erect, deep maroon inflorescences, good for drying

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

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in full light. Outdoors grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered position

Propagation

Sow seed at 20°C (68°F) in mid spring

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

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

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