Amaranthus caudatus ‘Red’ | Love-Lies-Bleeding | Hanging Amaranth | Cut Flower Variety

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Red’ is a spectacular and dramatic annual, known for its long, cascading, rope-like crimson tassels that bring an exotic touch to summer and autumn gardens. With its earthy red-purple hue and velvety texture, this striking amaranth adds movement, depth, and a touch of luxury to floral arrangements.

Also called Love-Lies-Bleeding, this plant is a florist’s favorite — superb for fresh bouquets, magnificent in dried arrangements, and a true statement flower in borders or containers. Its long-lasting blooms and unusual form make it perfect for creative floral work and garden design.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Amaranthus caudatus 
  
• Common names: Love-lies-bleeding, Pendant amaranth, Tassel flower, Velvet flower, Foxtail amaranth
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Plant type: Annual
• Height: 80–90 cm (up to 3–5 ft)
• Stem length: 80–90 cm
• Bloom time: Summer to autumn
• Color: Deep red to burgundy tassels
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
• Days to maturity: 80–90 days
• Temperature: Warm (20–25°C)
• Sowing period: Spring – midsummer

Sowing & Growing Instructions

Indoors:

• Sow 6–8 weeks before the last frost at 20–22°C.
• Sow thinly on the soil surface and lightly cover with compost.
• Germination in 7–14 days.
• Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle into 7 cm pots.
• Harden off and plant outdoors after frost danger has passed.

Outdoors (Direct Sowing):

• Sow in late spring to early summer when soil is warm (above 21°C).
• Sow 1 mm deep, spacing 30–45 cm apart.
• Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart once established.

Care:

• Pinch out the main stem to encourage branching.
• Water regularly and fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Provide light support in windy areas.
• Suitable for both open field and greenhouse cultivation.

Cut Flower Use

• Harvest when ¾ of the flowers are open.
• Vase life: 7–10 days.
• For drying: cut when seeds begin to form; hang upside down for 10–14 days in a warm, dry place.
• Retains its vibrant color when dried properly.

Additional Uses

• Excellent for cut flowers, dried arrangements, and border planting.
• Beautiful in cottage gardens, flower beds, and container displays.
• Leaves are edible and can be used as salad greens or cooked like spinach.
  

Key Features:

• Unique hanging tassel blooms in deep red
• Long-lasting cut and dried flower
• Fast-growing and easy to cultivate
• Adds dramatic height and texture to the garden
• Suitable for floral design and edible gardens