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Annual Biennial

Amaranthus tricolor

tampala

Has long been grown in gardens for its multi-coloured foliage. Flowers are insignificant, and plants may have a rather sprawling habit

Other common names
calaloo
Chinese spinach
see morefloramor
flower-gentle
St Joseph's coat
three-coloured amaranth
callaloo
Joseph's coat
Synonyms
Amaranthus mangostanus
Amaranthus melancholicus
see moreAmaranthus gangeticus
Amaranthus tristis
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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
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Green Red Yellow
Autumn Green Red Yellow
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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

This bushy annual can be grown under glass in full light in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost, or grown in a sunny border in moderately fertile, humus-rich moist but well-drained soil once risk of frost has passed

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • 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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