PlantFiles: Globe Amaranth, Gomphrena
Gomphrena globosa 'Fireworks'

Extremely easy to grow. Fills the garden with three foot long, shooting spires topped with little magenta flowers that dance in the in the wind. They tend to sprawl a fair amount, which provides a great opportunity to layer them in the soil to make new plants in early summer. The flowers last into winter in Zone 9. Self-seeds and is a fast grower.

My dad volunteers at a botanical garden, and brings me assorted 'extras' from the greenhouse. I got a half dozen of these and planted them in a bed along the driveway. The soil is not the best, and it was June, which is late in the midwest as it's hard to establish plants once the heat of summer is on, but these plants thrived. Half of them are huge - about 3-4 feet high and 3-4 feet wide, unfortunately hanging over the driveway but did not expect them to get that large. Long lasting and profuse blooms and blend in well with the other plants. They are a little 'leggy' so would look better in a bed with other lower growing plants, but don't over shadow the ones beneath them in height.

Planted in late July for some late summer color. Has done exceptionally well in Mississippi's record high temps. First time to plant and will definitely be in my garden next year. Great for cutting and brings movement to the garden.