Description
Love-lies-bleeding is an annual of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) from Central Asia. It grows 60–100 cm tall, with dark red, heavily branched stems. The stalked, egg-shaped leaves are green, purple or three-coloured.
It flowers from mid-July until autumn. The tiny amaranth-red or dark red flowers are gathered in long, drooping, branching, dense tassels. Varieties with greenish-white or dark purple flowers are also available.
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Requirements
Amaranthus needs fertile, humus-rich soil and a sunny position.
Propagation
It is propagated by seed sown in a cold frame in April. The seedlings need pricking out. Plant out in the final position at the end of May at 30 x 40–50 cm. Amaranthus can also be sown directly outdoors in early May.