Amaranth (Gomphrena)

Gomphrena is a genus of flowering herbs in the amaranth family, with annual species and some perennial species. The plants vary in stature and flower color, but many form dense, rounded or spiked clusters of small flowers framed by colorful bracts. ## Habit and Flowers [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327332-2/general-information) describes Gomphrena as a diverse genus with opposite, simple leaves and terminal or axillary flower heads or spikes. The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/159042/gomphrena/details) describes commonly grown garden forms as spreading or bushy annuals with tiny flowers in dense heads. Species and named selections differ, so flowering time, mature size, hardiness, and preferred moisture should be matched to the identified plant rather than generalized across the whole genus. ## Garden Use Globe amaranth (*Gomphrena globosa*) is a familiar ornamental example. [Illinois Extension](https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/gomphrena) describes it as a heat- and rain-tolerant garden flower for full sun, with a compact 6–18-inch height and blooms useful in fresh or dried arrangements. That profile applies to *G. globosa* and should not be assumed for every species in the genus. ## Maintenance For a known garden selection, match light and water to that species or cultivar and remove spent flowers when needed to maintain appearance. Leave the plant undisturbed if its persistent flower heads are being grown for dried arrangements, and allow for the different growth forms represented across this genus.