Love-lies-bleeding Amaranthus cruentus Autumn Palette Group
ABOUT
The Amaranthus cruentus Autumn Palette Group, commonly known as the red amaranth, showcases a stunning array of colors reminiscent of the vibrant hues found in autumn foliage. Its leaves are a mix of warm tones, including yellow, orange, and red, creating a tapestry of fall colors that bring to life any space they inhabit. This visual feast is complemented by the plant's dramatic flowering spikes, which stand erect above the foliage, sporting a rich, deep red that seems to deepen in intensity toward the tip of each spike. These striking flowers add an exquisite textural contrast to the softer form of the leaves. The overall effect of the red amaranth's appearance is one of a fiery and dynamic display, full of warmth and vitality, bringing an artistic stroke of natural beauty to gardens and landscapes. Its bold coloring and expressive form make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of seasonal drama to their plant arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaranthaceae.
Synonyms
Blood Amaranth, Prince's Feather, Red Amaranth, Mexican Grain Amaranth, Purple Amaranth.
Common names
Amaranthus cruentus Autumn Palette Group
ToxicityTo humans
Regarding the toxicity of Amaranthus, commonly known as Amaranth, it is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Amaranth leaves and seeds have been used historically as a food source. However, it should be noted that the Amaranth plant contains oxalates, which can cause issues for individuals with certain health conditions such as kidney disorders. Excessive consumption of oxalate-containing foods can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Despite this, the moderate consumption of Amaranth as part of a varied diet is generally safe for most people.
To pets
Amaranth is typically non-toxic to pets. This plant, which is widely consumed by humans, is not commonly associated with poisoning in pets. Nevertheless, it is always important to keep in mind that pets may have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants. Therefore, while Amaranth is not considered poisonous, monitoring your pets when they are around any plant material is prudent to avoid any potential issues such as digestive upset from eating plants that are not part of their regular diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The amaranth plant provides visual interest in gardens and landscapes with its vibrant autumnal colors and striking flower spikes.
- Drought Tolerance: Amaranthus cruentus is known for its ability to resist drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid climate gardening.
- Easy to Grow: It's an undemanding plant that is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care once established.
- Food Source for Wildlife: The seeds of the amaranth plant serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Soil Erosion Control: By establishing a robust root system, amaranth can help prevent soil erosion in certain areas.
- Edible Parts: Although excluding medical properties, the leaves and seeds of some amaranth species, like Amaranthus cruentus, can be used as food sources (leaves as leafy vegetables and seeds as a grain alternative).
- Fast-Growing: Amaranth plants grow quickly, providing a rapid display of colors and textures in garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Amaranthus cruentus, commonly known as red amaranth, can be used as a natural dye, imparting a red or pink hue to textiles and crafts.
- The seeds of red amaranth are utilized as a gluten-free grain alternative in various recipes, including bread, cereal, and snacks.
- Its vibrant flowers are perfect for creating decorative displays and dried flower arrangements, lasting for extended periods without losing color.
- Red amaranth leaves can be used as a natural coloring agent in art projects, such as plant-based paints and pigments for eco-friendly art.
- The plant's stalks are sometimes included in the construction of bio-degradable materials, offering an environmentally friendly resource.
- In companion planting, red amaranth serves as a natural deterrent for certain garden pests while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- The foliage of red amaranth can be used in integrated pest management to act as a trap crop for leafminers, protecting other garden plants.
- Red amaranth's dense foliage provides shade and a microclimate for smaller, shade-loving plants in permaculture and garden beds.
- The plant is used in ceremonies and cultural festivals in various parts of the world, symbolizing immortality and abundance due to its prolific growth.
- During food scarcity or in areas with limited crop variety, red amaranth is cultivated as an emergency crop due to its rapid growth and nutritious value.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Love-lies-bleeding is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Love-lies-bleeding is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Immortality: The name "Amaranthus" comes from the Greek word 'amarantos', which means unfading. The flower's resilience and its ability to retain its color even when dried out symbolizes immortality and the idea of a perpetual existence.
- Heart Health: Due to its vibrant red color, which can be associated with blood and the heart, Amaranth is sometimes used to represent heart health and vitality.
- Invisibility: In mythology, Amaranth was considered to bestow the gift of invisibility on those who wore it. This relates to the idea of protection and concealment.
- Unchanging Love: The enduring nature of the Amaranth flower, which doesn't wilt like other flowers, is often interpreted as a symbol of undying or everlasting love.
WaterWhen caring for the Amaranth plant, it's important to ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil; this may require approximately one to two gallons depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. Overwatering should be avoided, as the Amaranth prefers well-drained soil and can be prone to root rot if left in standing water.
LightThe Amaranth plant thrives best in full sun exposure, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an open area without shade from buildings or trees, where the plant can benefit from the brightest light throughout the day to promote strong growth and vibrant foliage.
TemperatureThe Amaranth plant is suited for warm temperatures and grows optimally when the temperature ranges from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, growth may slow down. It's best to avoid exposing the Amaranth to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can cause damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Amaranth plants is typically done to encourage bushier growth, remove any damaged or diseased leaves, and to promote air circulation. Trim back the tips of the plant in early summer to stimulate branching, and remove any spent flowers to conserve the plant's energy. The best time for major pruning is just before new growth begins, which is often in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmaranth (Amaranthus cruentus 'Autumn Palette Group') thrives in a soil mix that is fertile, well-draining, and loamy with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix can be created with equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingAmaranth plants, such as the 'Autumn Palette Group', generally do not need to be repotted frequently. These plants are often grown as annuals, so repotting may only be necessary if they outgrow their container within a single growing season.
Humidity & MistingAmaranth, including the 'Autumn Palette' variety, prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity conditions as long as proper soil moisture and watering practices are maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun post-frost; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleAmaranthus cruentus Autumn Palette Group, commonly known as Purple Amaranth, begins its life as a seed which germinates in warm soil, typically after the last frost in spring. The seedling develops true leaves and a root system, growing rapidly in favorable conditions of warmth and full sunlight. As a juvenile plant, it continues to expand in size, developing a strong stem and a bushy structure with characteristic colorful foliage that can range from green to shades of red or purple. Once mature, the plant produces inflorescences with tiny, densely packed flowers; these flowers are wind-pollinated, facilitating cross-pollination between plants. Upon fertilization, the flowers produce seeds, usually in late summer to early fall. The life cycle completes when the plant dies after seeding, which is generally after the first hard frost, although seeds may remain dormant in the soil until conditions are suitable for the next generation to germinate.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular propagation method for the Amaranthus cruentus, commonly known as the Prince's Feather, is through seeds. Seed propagation usually begins in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Seeds can be directly sown into the garden or started indoors in trays with potting soil. For starting seeds indoors, sow them about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, as they need light to germinate, and kept moist at around 70°F (21°C). Germination typically occurs in 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves and are hardy enough, they can be transplanted outside following acclimation to outdoor conditions.
