Photo: Bautista Becerra OrgneroCC BY 4.0

annual

Pink Globe Amaranth

The Story

Plant Bio

Gomphrena pulchella, native to South America, is an upright, bushy annual or tender perennial featuring a subshrubby base and long, straight herbaceous stems. The foliage consists of narrow, deep green, lanceolate leaves covered in fine, short hairs arranged oppositely along the stems.

Unlike the shorter, more compact Gomphrena globosa, this species is significantly more vigorous, developing a woody base and requiring ample space to branch. The inflorescences are globose, pom-pom-like heads of bright rosy-pink or purple papery bracts tipped with tiny yellow or white true flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces long-lasting, papery pink pom-pom flowers that retain their color well when dried.

Highly drought-tolerant and humidity-resistant, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees throughout the summer and fall.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

20"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed.
Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Water regularly during the establishment phase, then reduce frequency as drought tolerance develops.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer monthly during the growing season, avoiding high nitrogen.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive vegetative growth and weak, floppy stems at the expense of flower production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximize flower production.
Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not overwater once the plant is established.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause floppy stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersCutting GardensMass Plantings

Companion Plants

Zinnia elegans

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Globe Amaranth questions

What zones can Pink Globe Amaranth grow in?

Pink Globe Amaranth is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pink Globe Amaranth deer resistant?

Yes — Pink Globe Amaranth is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pink Globe Amaranth bloom?

Pink Globe Amaranth typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pink Globe Amaranth need full sun?

Pink Globe Amaranth does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Pink Globe Amaranth drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pink Globe Amaranth handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.