Amaranth (Love Lies Bleeding) Coral Fountain
Add dramatic, cascading elegance to your garden or cut flower arrangements with Amaranth 'Coral Fountain'. This stunning variety of Love Lies Bleeding features long, pendulous tassels in soft coral-pink to peach tones that drape gracefully up to 18" long. A frost-sensitive annual that thrives in full sun, it grows 3-5 feet tall and attracts pollinators while providing excellent cut or dried flower material.
Plant Specifications and Attributes:
- Plant Size: 36–60 inches tall (3–5 feet), with cascading tassels up to 18 inches long
- Spacing: 12–15 inches apart (tighter spacing of 3–6 inches for smaller stems if desired)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily)
- Hardiness Zone: Annual (tender; grown as an annual in zones 3–11; not frost-tolerant)
- Bloom Period: Summer to frost (typically 65–90 days to bloom from transplant)
Description: Amaranthus caudatus 'Coral Fountain' is a showstopping heirloom variety, often called Coral Fountain Love-Lies-Bleeding. Unlike the deep magenta of traditional Love-Lies-Bleeding, this selection offers warm, earthy coral-pink to peach cascading plumes that resemble sun-faded velvet or Southwestern red rocks. The sturdy, branching plants reach 3–5 feet tall, producing one main pendulous tassel and secondary branches ideal for cutting.
This fast-growing annual thrives in heat and drought once established, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The tiny flowers give way to edible golden seeds high in protein (similar to quinoa), and young leaves are nutritious greens. Excellent as a focal point in flower beds, mixed borders, or large containers. Pairs beautifully with other amaranths like classic Love-Lies-Bleeding or Emerald Tassels for a rainbow of tassels. Great for cut flowers—fresh or dried arrangements last weeks.
Transplanting Instructions: Plant your 3" potted Coral Fountain Amaranth outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed (ideally 70°F+). Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Amend heavy soil with compost for best results. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot, gently remove the plant, and set at the same depth as in the pot. Space 12–15 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting and keep moist until established (about 1–2 weeks). Pinch tips when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage branching and more blooms. Fertilize lightly with balanced organic fertilizer mid-season if needed. Mulch to retain moisture in hot conditions.