Amaranthus
Pigweed
- Height × spread
- 1.5m – 2m × 0.45m – 0.75m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 60 species within this genus, both annual and perennial. They are often used as bedding plants or may be valued as short-term houseplants. In some parts of the world they are considered pernicious weeds and one form of he fabled Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus) is included in this family. They are valued for their curious rather than beautiful flowers that take the form of tassels, long and dangling in the case of Amaranthus caudatus, erect in Amaranthus cruentus where some forms can reach 2 metres in height. The flowers come in shades of red, pink and green. Amaranthus tricolor has colourful young foliage, and it is grown for this, rather than its floral contribution. The leaves are in shades of green, red, yellow, gold, and orange. These plants come from temperate and tropical regions of the world.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 1.5m – 2m
- Spread
- 0.45m – 0.75m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.