Globe amaranth, scientifically known as Gomphrena globosa, is a charming and colorful flowering plant that has found a special place in Australian gardens. Known for its bright, globe-shaped blooms and resilience, globe amaranth offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for gardeners across the country. Let’s dive into what makes globe amaranth a popular choice in Australia and how you can grow and enjoy this delightful plant.
What Is Globe Amaranth?
Globe amaranth is a fast-growing annual plant native to Central America but widely cultivated worldwide, including Australia. It is prized for its distinctive round flower heads that come in vibrant shades of purple, pink, red, and white. These flowers are long-lasting, often retaining their color even after drying, making them popular for fresh bouquets and dried floral arrangements.
Growing Globe Amaranth in Australia
Australia’s climate is well-suited for globe amaranth, especially in warmer regions. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for gardens, balconies, and containers.
Key Growing Tips:
- Planting Time: Sow seeds in spring after the last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier.
- Soil: Prefers light, sandy, or loamy soils with good drainage.
- Watering: Moderate watering is needed; the plant is drought-tolerant once established.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun for vibrant blooms.
- Spacing: Plant seedlings about 20-30 cm apart to allow good air circulation.
Benefits of Globe Amaranth
- Low Maintenance: Globe amaranth is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Resistant: Its tolerance to dry conditions suits Australia’s often variable climate.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from summer through to autumn, providing extended colour in the garden.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and as cut flowers, both fresh and dried.
Globe Amaranth in Australian Gardens
Many Australian gardeners appreciate globe amaranth for its vibrant hues and ability to brighten up garden beds and patios. It pairs well with other summer-flowering plants like marigolds, zinnias, and salvias. Additionally, its dried flowers are often used in craft projects and floral decorations due to their durability.
How to Care for Globe Amaranth
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
- Deadheading: Regular removal of spent flowers encourages continuous blooming.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free but watch for aphids or fungal issues in overly damp conditions.
- Propagation: Easily grown from seed, which can be collected from dried flower heads at the end of the season.
Where to Buy Globe Amaranth Seeds in Australia
Globe amaranth seeds are widely available through Australian seed suppliers and garden centres, including:
- The Seed Collection
- Digger’s Club
- Bunnings Warehouse
- Online retailers like Etsy and Amazon Australia
Globe amaranth is a vibrant, hardy, and low-maintenance plant that suits the Australian climate perfectly. Its cheerful, long-lasting blooms bring colour and life to gardens while attracting pollinators and requiring little fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, globe amaranth is a wonderful addition to your garden palette.