Amaranthus caudatus Viridis | Green Cascade | Hanging Green Amaranth

Amaranthus caudatus Viridis

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Viridis’ offers a stunning display of long, chartreuse-green flower tassels that add striking color and texture to gardens, borders, and flower arrangements. This ornamental annual thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, providing a unique focal point in both formal and naturalistic planting schemes. Easy to grow and highly decorative, it’s a perfect choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Amaranthus caudatus
• Variety: ‘Viridis’ (Synonyms: Green Cascade)
• Common name: Green Amaranth, Love-Lies-Bleeding (Green form)
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Type: Annual
• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower type: Long, trailing tassels
• Flower color: Soft lime to chartreuse green
• Bloom size: 30–60 cm cascading panicles
• Foliage: Medium green, slightly glossy leaves
• Days to maturity: 90–110 days
• Plant habit: Upright with gracefully hanging flower spikes
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.5)
• Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates short dry periods
• Sowing depth: 0.3–0.5 cm (surface sow lightly; light aids germination)
• Germination: 7–14 days at 20–24 °C
• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart
• Flowering time: July – October
• Vase life: Excellent fresh; also ideal for drying

Sowing Instructions:

• Direct Sow: Sow directly into prepared soil after the last frost.
• Indoor Sowing: For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the final frost.
• Germination: Typically takes 10–14 days at 20–22°C.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 30–50cm apart once established.
• Care: Water regularly and ensure full sun for best growth.

Growing Instructions:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil ensures optimal growth.
• Watering: Keep soil moist, especially in dry periods.
• Maintenance: Requires minimal attention, though plants may need staking in windy areas.

Cultivation Instructions:

• Pruning: Pinch the main stem to encourage branching.
• Post-Flowering: Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom time or leave a few to self-seed naturally.
• End of Season: Remove plants after flowering or allow them to reseed.

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Viridis’ adds a bold yet elegant touch to gardens, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow plant with unique, eye-catching color and form.