Amaranthus caudatus, commonly known as Love Lies Bleeding, is a striking and unique plant that can add a touch of drama to any Australian garden. With its long, cascading crimson flower tassels, this plant is sure to catch the eye and spark conversation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to growing and caring for Love Lies Bleeding in Australia.
What is Love Lies Bleeding?
Love Lies Bleeding is an annual flowering plant native to South America. It is characterized by its long, drooping flower panicles that can reach up to 60cm in length. These flowers are typically a deep crimson color, but some varieties may have purple or gold blooms. The plant itself can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has edible leaves and seeds.
Growing Love Lies Bleeding in Australia
Climate
Love Lies Bleeding thrives in warm, sunny conditions, making it well-suited to many parts of Australia. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, but in cooler zones, it will benefit from as much sunshine as possible.
When to Plant
In Australia, Love Lies Bleeding is best sown in spring after the last frost. If you live in an area with cooler, shorter seasons, you can start seeds indoors in early spring and transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed.
How to Plant
- Starting from Seed: Love Lies Bleeding is generally grown from seed, making it an economical choice for gardeners. To get a head start, it is recommended to start the seeds indoors eight weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly into beds after the last frost. For direct sowing, it is best to sow in rows and then thin out to approximately 30cm apart.
- Soil: Love Lies Bleeding grows best in moist but well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly neutral to slightly acidic pH between 5.5 to 6.5 but is relatively adaptable and will grow in most locations5. Adding lime if the soil is too acidic can be beneficial.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade is best for Love Lies Bleeding. This flowering annual is a sun-loving plant, and the more sun it enjoys, the more blooms will be produced.
How to Care for Love Lies Bleeding
- Watering: While this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, Love Lies Bleeding benefits from consistent watering during spring and summer. Deep watering once or twice a week, especially during sunny, dry months will help to keep the soil moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilizer is generally not needed for this annual, and it can be grown even in poor soils. Mulching the flower bed in the winter months will help to create an ideal, nutritious environment.
- Pruning: Deadhead faded flowers during the summer to encourage more flowers later in the season. If tall stems become floppy or snap, you can simply snip them down to a healthy joint.
- Harvesting: The leaves can be harvested at about 40 days, and you can continue to harvest the leaves up until the plant flowers.
Benefits of Growing Love Lies Bleeding
- Ornamental Value: Love Lies Bleeding is a stunning ornamental plant that adds a unique and dramatic touch to any garden
- Attracts Wildlife: Love Lies Bleeding is known to attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Edible Plant: Many parts of the plant, including its leaves and seeds, are edible.
Love Lies Bleeding is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is sure to make a statement in your garden. With its unique appearance and easy-care nature, this plant is a must-have for any Australian gardener looking to add a touch of drama and beauty to their outdoor space.