Amaranthus

Availability: July

Common Names: amaranth, love-lies-bleeding, cat’s tail, velvet flower and tassle flower
Genus Name: Amaranthus
Family Name: Amaranthaceae
Place of Origin: Peru, Africa and India
How long do they last? 5-8 days

The Amaranthus is a robust annual herb of up to 1.5m high with green, reddish or purple stems and leaves. The tassel-like flower clusters are drooping and bright red.

Did you know?

Known to the Aztecs as huauhtli, amaranth is thought to have represented up to 80% of their energy consumption before the Spanish conquest. Another important use of amaranth throughout Mesoamerica was to prepare ritual drinks and foods.

Care tips

Cut the stems and place them in water as soon as possible. If you prefer to dry the flowers you should hang them upside down and allow them to air-dry slowly.