Amaranthus melancholicus
tampala
Has long been grown in gardens for its multi-coloured foliage. Flowers are insignificant, and plants may have a rather sprawling habit
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Red Yellow | |||
Autumn | Green Red Yellow | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical 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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