Gomphrena

Gomphrena is a super fun addition to the garden. It is in the Amaranthaceae family and is commonly know as globe amaranth. It comes in pink, purple, orange, red and white. It is native to Central and South America. It likes well-drained soil, and does best in full sun, where once established is a drought tolerant plant and deer resistant. It is a prolific bloomer and attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and will bloom from summer well into fall. It is considered an annual, but I have had mine in pots for years and grow three different varieties. It's flowers resemble a clover, but with dried bracts in the various colors. It does great as a cut flower or you can use them in dried arrangements. The first one I got was from Annie's Annuals, the 'Fireworks' variety is a bright purple airy and grows 2' x 3'. I fell in love with it's beauty and started growing more colors. I have used this a lot in my floral arrangements and find I love the red one the best!

photos by Heather Hamilton