19 Stunning Gomphrena Varieties for Gardeners
Elevate your garden with robust blooms that withstand heat and reward pollinators.
19 Stunning Varieties of Gomphrena: Globe Amaranth for Every Garden
Gomphrena, widely known as globe amaranth, offers a kaleidoscope of color, resilience, and whimsical bloom shapes perfect for novice and expert gardeners alike. As a heat- and drought-tolerant member of the amaranth family, this plant promises performance in harsh summers, inviting pollinators and providing lasting beauty in garden beds, containers, and floral arrangements.
What Is Gomphrena?
Gomphrena is a genus of flowering plants that produce globe- or clover-like papery bracted flowers atop branching stems. Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, these annuals (or perennials in warm climates) are beloved for their:
- Long-lasting, globe-shaped inflorescences
- Remarkable heat and drought resistance
- Attraction to pollinators (bees and butterflies)
- Standout performance in cut and dried floral arrangements
The two main cultivated species are:
- Gomphrena globosa: A compact, rounded annual, ideal for borders and small-space gardening. Native to Central America.
- Gomphrena haageana: A taller, spreading perennial favored for large plantings and floral landscapes. Native to North America.
Key Benefits of Growing Gomphrena
- Resilience: Thrives in full sun, tolerates moderate drought, and can flourish in poor soils once established.
- Color Variety: Bloom colors include vibrant reds, pinks, purples, oranges, and pristine whites.
- Pollinator Magnet: Draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Long-lasting Blooms: Flowers persist from early summer until frost, and retain their shape and color when dried.
- Low Maintenance: Minimal care is needed, with rare pest or disease issues.
Understanding the Species
Gomphrena globosa and Gomphrena haageana are most popular among garden cultivars:
| Species | Growth Habit | Flower Colors | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| G. globosa | Compact (10â18″ tall), bushy | Pinks, purples, lilac, white | Border edging, containers, small beds |
| G. haageana | Tall (18â36″, sometimes more), sprawl | Reds, oranges, carmine | Mass plantings, cut flower gardens, wildflower meadows |
19 Best Varieties of Globe Amaranth
The diversity of gomphrena cultivars means there’s a perfect match for any garden style. Here are nineteen of the most dazzling varieties to consider:
1. ‘Strawberry Fields’ (G. haageana)
Strawberry-red, rounded blooms reminiscent of ripe berries. Compact, bushy, with 16â18-inch sturdy stems. Superb for mass plantings and mixed berry-color bouquets.
2. ‘QIS Series’
A florist-favorite group offering uniform, upright plants and prolific large blooms in a rainbow of colors (purple, rose, pink, carmine, orange, and white). Stems are especially long, making them perfect for cutting.
3. ‘Purple’ (G. globosa)
Heirloom form with classic, deep purple balls. Bushy, compact, and perfect for edging garden borders.
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4. ‘Buddy White’
Features compact growth (8â12 inches), with pure white, ball-shaped flowers that glow against dark foliage or in nighttime gardens.
5. ‘Fireworks’ (G. pulchella hybrid)
Show-stopping, hot pink, golf-ball-sized blooms tipped with bright yellow. Vigorous, branched plants reaching 3â4 feet, ideal for a high-impact statement in borders and bouquets.
6. ‘Las Vegas Mix’
A vibrant mix of pink, purple, and white blooms offered on robust plants. Reliable for colorful, sun-drenched bedding schemes.
7. ‘Ping Pong Lavender’
Soft lavender spheres atop strong, upright stems. Provides unique pastel tones for gardens and arrangements.
8. ‘Atomic Purple’
Shocking, rich fuchsia-purple blooms matched with green foliage. Excellent for contemporary gardens.
9. ‘Carmine’ (QIS Carmine)
A variety within the QIS Series, this offers deep carmine balls perfect for cutting and drying.
10. ‘Grenade White’
Compact size with bright, snow-white spherical flowers. Looks impressive both in solid drifts and contrasted with darker varieties.
11. ‘Aurora Mix’
Featuring tall stems supporting dramatic blooms in reds, whites, and lavender, this blend shines in wildflower-style gardens.
12. ‘Buddy Purple’
Tightly packed bushy form with rich purple blooms. Designed for border fronts and container displays.
13. ‘Haageana Orange’
From G. haageana, this selection supplies spectacular orange-red bracts and a longer flower shapeâideal for hot-color themes and butterfly gardens.
14. ‘Bicolor Rose’
Tall-growing, with rich rose-pink bracts that fade to white at the flower tips for a two-toned effect. Makes a stunning backdrop in larger beds.
15. ‘Ping Pong Purple’
Round, vibrant purple globes atop vigorous, upright plants robust enough for cutting and containers alike.
16. ‘Raspberry Cream’
Blended pink-white blooms for a softer appearance, ideal for pastel-themed borders or bouquets.
17. ‘Gnome Mix’
Diminutive, bushy plants with assorted bloom colors. Excels in small garden spaces, path edges, and containers.
18. ‘Truffula Pink’
Nodding, long-lasting bright pink flowers with a whimsical, fuzzy quality. Marvelous for mass plantings and cut flower use.
19. ‘Audray Bicolor Rose’
Similar to ‘Bicolor Rose’, with unique bicolor flower heads fading from a deep dusty rose to pale near the tip. Tall, strong stems make it ideal for bouquet inclusion.
How to Grow Gomphrena: Basic Cultivation Guide
Site Selection & Soil
- Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct light for best bloom production)
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor or sandy soils once mature
- pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0â7.0 ideal)
Planting and Spacing
- Gomphrena is best grown from transplants rather than direct-sown seeds, as this improves germination and early growth success.
- Start seeds indoors 6â8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost, when soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (16°C).
- Space plants 6â12 inches apart. The bushy growth means close spacing encourages stem support and full displays.
Watering and Care
- Keep soil lightly moist after transplanting. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells, as plants are highly drought tolerant.
- Mulch to reduce weeds and keep lower leaves clean.
- Fertilize only if soil is very poor; overfeeding leads to lush foliage with fewer blooms.
Maintenance Tips
- Minimal deadheading is neededâplants bloom continuously all summer.
- No need to pinch for bushier plants.
- Staking is rarely required except for the tallest types or in very windy sites.
Pests and Diseases
- Remarkably resistant to pests and diseases.
- Foliage may collect dust or dirt; mulch can help reduce this.
- Watch for root rot in heavy or poorly drained soils, especially early in the season.
Harvesting and Floral Uses
- Snip stems for bouquets when flower heads are firm and fully colored.
- For dried arrangements, cut when the blooms are bright and fully open. Remove leaves and hang stems upside-down in a dry, dark place.
- Blooms retain shape and color for months, even after drying.
Landscaping and Design Uses
- Massed Bedding: G. haageana types create bold color in broad sweeps.
- Edging and Borders: G. globosa varieties are perfect for front-of-border or pathway planting.
- Cut Flowers: Long, sturdy stems offer outstanding vase life.
- Dried Flowers: Papery blooms are a classic for everlasting arrangements and crafts.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies all summer long.
- Containers: Petite bushy forms excel in patio pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are gomphrena flowers edible?
A: While not typically consumed as food, gomphrena petals are sometimes used to make herbal teas and as natural food colorants. Always ensure flowers are pesticide-free if using for tea or garnish.
Q: Do gomphrena self-sow?
A: In warm climates, some varieties may self-sow modestly. However, offspring may differ in color and habit from parent plants due to hybridization.
Q: How long do gomphrena blooms last?
A: Fresh, garden-grown flowers persist for weeks on the plant and even longer when cut. Dried blooms retain color and form for months, making them prized for everlasting bouquets.
Q: Is gomphrena deer resistant?
A: Generally yes. The fuzzy, bracted flowers and slightly aromatic foliage tend to deter deer and rabbits.
Q: Can gomphrena grow in containers?
A: Absolutely. Shorter varieties like âBuddy Whiteâ and âGnome Mixâ are especially well-suited to containers, thriving in urban patios and balconies.
Conclusion
If you desire a flower that brings vibrant color, resilience, and a touch of whimsy, gomphrena is the perfect choice. Whether you garden in a postage-stamp plot or sprawling landscape, there’s a globe amaranth variety to suit your needsâfrom the bold reds of âStrawberry Fieldsâ to the ethereal white of âGrenade Whiteâ and the playful âGnome Mixâ. With minimal maintenance and maximum reward, gomphrena proves that great beauty often comes with surprising toughness.
References
- https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/gomphrena-an-antidote-for-the-late-summer-garden-blahs/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/gomphrena-varieties/
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/globe-amaranth-gomphrena-globosa/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/gomphrena/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zKKewIP7X0
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