Discover 10 Fascinating Amaranthus Varieties to Add to Your Garden

Are you looking to add a touch of unique beauty to your garden? Look no further than the stunning world of amaranthus. With over 70 species in the Amaranthus genus, there is a vast array of varieties to choose from. Whether you are interested in cultivating ornamentals or edibles for their grain or leaves, there is a perfect amaranthus variety for you.

Table of Contents

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore ten popular amaranthus varieties that will elevate your garden to new heights. From the striking Red amaranth to the vibrant Joseph’s Coat, each variety offers its own unique charm and appeal. Let’s dive in and discover the beauty of these remarkable plants.

Benefits of Growing Amaranthus

Before we delve into the specific varieties, let’s explore some of the benefits of growing amaranthus in your garden:

Amaranthus is a warm-weather plant that thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for sunny garden spots.
Many amaranthus varieties are versatile, as they can be grown as annuals in a wide range of climates, from zone 2 to warmer zones.
Amaranthus is not only prized for its striking flowers but also for its edible seeds and leaves, making it both a visually appealing and functional plant for your garden.

Now, let’s take a closer look at ten popular amaranthus varieties that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor space.

1. Amaranthus caudatus ‘Coral Fountain’

Height: Tall and cascading
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Coral pink

The wooly flowers of this heirloom variety cascade down like a waterfall, creating a stunning visual display. Perfect for bouquets, this variety blooms from mid- to late summer until the first frost, adding a touch of elegance to any arrangement. Both the seeds and leaves of this variety are edible, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

2. Amaranthus caudatus ‘Dreadlocks’

Height: Short and sturdy
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Deep red

This shorter variety features sturdy stems and eye-catching knotted flower clusters that bloom from late summer to fall. Its unique appearance makes it a standout in any garden setting, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of whimsy to their outdoor space.

3. Amaranthus cruentus ‘Autumn’s Touch’

Height: Tall with dark green foliage
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Bicolored green and bronze

This variety boasts dark green foliage and stunning bicolored flowers that appear in late summer and last into late fall. With plumes reaching up to two feet, this variety requires no staking due to its thick stalks. Additionally, this variety attracts songbirds that feed on its seeds, adding a touch of wildlife to your garden.

4. Amaranthus cruentus ‘Copperhead’

Height: Tall with feathery flowerheads
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Copper or golden

This early-maturing variety features large, feathery flowerheads that take on a copper or golden glow as they mature. Its unique coloration makes it a favorite for cut flowers and bouquets, adding a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement. Both the young leaves and seeds of this variety are edible, making it a practical and visually appealing choice for your garden.

5. Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hopi Red Dye’

Height: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Rich red

The seeds of this variety were traditionally used by Hopi indigenous Americans as a dye, giving it its name. Despite its smaller size, this variety boasts richly colored flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Similar to other varieties, both the young leaves and seeds of this plant are edible, making it a functional and visually appealing addition to your garden.

6. Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hot Biscuits’

Height: Medium size
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Bronze

This medium-size variety blooms from mid-summer to fall, with its plumes transitioning from flowers to seeds that turn a beautiful bronze color. Perfect for autumn bouquets and dried flower arrangements, this variety adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to any floral display. The edible seeds of this variety make it both visually appealing and practical for your garden.

7. Amaranthus hybridus ‘Opopeo’

Height: Tall and sturdy
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Varies

While often grown for its edible greens and seeds, the flowers of this tall variety add an attractive element to the back of flower beds. With blooms appearing from summer to fall, this variety offers both visual appeal and functionality, making it a versatile choice for any garden setting.

8. Amaranthus hypochondriacus ‘Green Thumb’

Height: Compact and bushy
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Intense green

This compact variety features intense green flowers that bloom all summer long, making it an attractive addition to any garden. Whether planted on its own or combined with other colorful varieties, this plant adds a touch of vibrancy and texture to your outdoor space. Perfect for cut flowers, this variety is as practical as it is beautiful.

9. Amaranthus hypochondriacus ‘Pygmy Torch’

Height: Short and compact
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Varies

With its shorter stature, this variety is perfect for borders, flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets. Blooming from summer to fall, this variety makes an attractive cut flower or dried arrangement, adding a touch of elegance to any setting. Its versatility and compact size make it a great choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their outdoor space.

10. Amaranthus tricolor ‘Joseph’s Coat’

Height: Varies
Sun Exposure: Full sun
USDA Growing Zone: Varies
Flower Color: Bright red and yellow

This unique variety is grown for its vibrant foliage rather than its flowers, with bright red and yellow leaves that resemble the popular holiday plant, the poinsettia. With a narrow growth habit, this variety looks best in mass plantings, adding a burst of color and texture to your garden.

In Conclusion

With their striking colors and unique textures, amaranthus varieties are sure to make a statement in any garden. Whether you are looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a subtle accent, there is a perfect amaranthus variety for you. From the elegant ‘Coral Fountain’ to the whimsical ‘Dreadlocks,’ each variety offers its own unique charm and appeal, making them a must-have for any garden enthusiast.

So, why not add a touch of beauty and elegance to your outdoor space with one of these stunning amaranthus varieties? Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, growing amaranthus is a rewarding and delightful experience that will bring joy and beauty to your garden for years to come. Happy gardening!