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Annual BiennialBedding

Amaranthus caudatus 'Viridis'

A bushy annual, with large ovate leaves and drooping, light to lime green tassel-like racemes of tiny flowers in summer and autumn. The seedsheads provide food for birds. Large enough to make an architectural feature, the flowers can be used for fresh or dried arrangements

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–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

Seeds can be sown direct or started in pots or trays indoors. Pinch out the centre stem to encourage side branching. Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun, in a sheltered site. Will tolerate poor soil, but then requires watering freely during dry periods in summer

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

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