Amaranth (Love Lies Bleeding) Heirloom Plant
Amaranth 'Love Lies Bleeding' is a stunning heirloom annual known for its long, drooping, velvety crimson tassels that resemble bleeding hearts. This dramatic plant adds bold texture and color to gardens, borders, containers, or as a focal point. The heirloom strain offers reliable performance with tassels up to 12-18 inches long, attracting pollinators and excellent for fresh or dried arrangements. Heat-tolerant and easy to grow, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant Specifications
- Plant Size: 3-5 feet tall (up to 4-6 feet in ideal conditions), spread 1-2 feet.
- Spacing: 18 inches apart (12-18 inches for denser displays; allows room for cascading tassels).
- Sun Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight preferred; tolerates partial shade but best color and blooms in full sun).
- Hardiness Zone: Annual; USDA zones 2-11.
- Bloom Period: Summer to frost (typically July/fall until first frost; 60-110 days to maturity from transplant).
Description This classic heirloom Amaranth, often called Love Lies Bleeding or Tassel Flower, features long, pendulous chains of tiny, vivid red flowers that form fuzzy, rope-like tassels. Native to South America and cherished since Victorian times, it brings dramatic, romantic flair to any garden. The plants have broad green leaves with reddish stems, and the blooms hold color well when dried. Low-maintenance once established, it's drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies while providing a striking vertical element.
Attributes
- Heirloom variety – true to type from saved seeds
- Excellent for cut flowers and everlasting dried arrangements (tassels retain color)
- Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
- Heat and drought tolerant after establishment
- Low maintenance annual
- Transplanting Instructions: Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before planting outdoors after last frost. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil (amend with compost if needed). Dig a hole slightly larger than the 3" pot, place the plant at the same depth as in the pot, backfill, and water thoroughly. Space 18 inches apart. Keep soil moist during the first few weeks until established; then water moderately. Pinch tips early for bushier growth if desired. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy stems—use balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer sparingly.