Amaranthus retroflexus (common amaranth) — Bushy

Overview

Amaranthus retroflexus is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Amaranthus, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Amaranthus retroflexus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, sub-tropical, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Amaranthus retroflexus, commonly known as common amaranth or pigweed, is a bushy, deciduous annual cultivar within the Amaranthus genus. These plants thrive in fertile, moist, well-drained loam soils with a neutral pH and require full sun exposure, ideally in sheltered, south-, west-, or east-facing aspects. Blooming during summer and autumn, they produce dense, catkin-like flower clusters typical of the genus. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, city and courtyard settings, and flower borders, this cultivar is propagated by seed sown at 20°C in mid-spring and is hardy to UK zone H1a.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Amaranthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H1a

Plant details

Amaranthus retroflexus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds