Amaranthus caudatus aka Purple Amaranth

Amaranthus caudatus is known as love-lies-bleeding or tassel flower. It belongs to the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. Its native range runs from Ecuador to northwestern Argentina. People have long grown it for grain and leaves. Gardeners also grow it for its hanging flower clusters. Most sources describe an annual, though RHS also lists biennial growth.

The plant grows upright and forms a bushy shape. Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres] tall. Rare plants reach about 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Width ranges from 1–3.3 feet [0.3–1 metre] across sources. Green stems branch and carry large, simple leaves. The leaves alternate along the stems and have smooth edges. Their shape ranges from oval to narrow and pointed. Foliage may be green or deep red. The stems have no scent.

Tiny flowers form long clusters that hang from the plant. These tassels may reach 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. The flowers lack petals and range from red to gold. Chicago Botanic Garden also reports green flower clusters. Bloom starts about three months after sowing the seeds. Flowers appear in summer and last until frost. The small, dry fruit is an achene. Wind carries pollen, and plants can also pollinate themselves. Birds visit the seedheads, while butterflies also visit the plant.

Grow it in sun with shelter from strong exposure. It also tolerates some shade and poor soil. Rich soil that holds moisture but drains well suits it. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. It also grows across acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Keep the soil moist, despite its tolerance of drought. Poor soils need more water during dry summer spells. Plant outdoors once the last frost has passed. RHS rates it H2, so it cannot withstand freezing. US sources list zones 2–11 for this annual. Tall plants may need stakes or other support.

Use it in beds, borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Cut flowers work in fresh and dried displays. Aphids, viruses, aster yellows, and leaf spots can cause trouble. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Sources disagree about its weed potential; it occurs on cultivated ground. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Cook the seeds, pop them, or grind them for baking. Sources report no known inherent poison in the genus. However, leaves can build up nitrates in nitrogen-rich soil. This makes food safety depend on growing conditions. The whole plant also yields yellow and green dyes.