Love-lies-bleeding, scientifically known as Amaranthus caudatus, is a striking flowering plant recognized for its unique, drooping blooms. This annual brings bold color and flair to any garden or landscape.
Originating from South America, love-lies-bleeding flourishes in sunny environments and can withstand high summer temperatures. Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, mastering the cultivation of love-lies-bleeding will fill your garden with color throughout the growing season.
If you're looking to add height and texture to your garden borders or create a vibrant, impactful display, love-lies-bleeding is a fantastic choice. Here's what you need to know about growing this extraordinary plant.
Growing Love-Lies-Bleeding
As part of the Amaranthus family, which includes over 50 species, love-lies-bleeding is celebrated as one of the top annual flowers. It's also known by several charming names like tassel flower, velvet flower, and pendant amaranth, each highlighting its distinctive appearance.
Growth Characteristics of Love-Lies-Bleeding
Plant expert Katie Sunderlage emphasizes, "If you only grow one flower this year, make it love-lies-bleeding. Amaranthus caudatus is a favorite for both garden beds and containers, with summer blooms that are truly eye-catching."
Since love-lies-bleeding is an annual, it will only last until the first frost in the fall, making it a seasonal favorite for spring and summer. It thrives in US hardiness zones 3 to 10, with more sunlight benefiting those in cooler areas.
"Love-lies-bleeding can reach heights of up to four feet and spread about two feet wide," Katie notes. "Ensure you give them ample space. These annuals prefer full sun to partial shade and require moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth."
This plant is typically grown from seeds, making it an economical option for gardeners looking for new flower bed projects. For best results, start seeds indoors about eight weeks before the last frost date, usually around February.
"You can expect flowers to bloom roughly 12 weeks after sowing," Katie adds. "With timely planting, expect blossoms from June or July until the first frost, showcasing unique tassel-shaped flowers. Additionally, love-lies-bleeding attracts birds, bees, and butterflies—what's not to love?"
You can find love-lies-bleeding seeds on Amazon.
Care Tips for Love-Lies-Bleeding
Soil: This plant flourishes in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. For optimal growth, improve your soil by mulching in winter. While it thrives in slightly neutral to slightly acidic conditions (pH 5.5 to 6.5), love-lies-bleeding adapts well to various soil types.
Light: Love-lies-bleeding thrives in full sun to partial shade. The more sunlight it receives, the more flowers it produces. Avoid planting in overly shady spots.
Watering: Although somewhat drought-resistant, love-lies-bleeding prefers consistent watering during spring and summer. Deep watering once or twice weekly, particularly during dry spells, helps keep the soil adequately moist.
Fertilizing: This annual generally doesn't require fertilizer, and it can thrive even in less fertile soils. Mulching in winter creates a nutrient-rich environment.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers during summer to encourage new blooms. If any tall stems become floppy, trim them back to a healthy joint. Leave the plant in place for winter interest, but remove it during the new year.
Toxicity: Amaranthus caudatus is safe for both humans and pets, making it a great choice for family gardens, with many parts of the plant, including leaves and seeds, being edible.
This pine mulch can help to improve soil structure, retain moisture and suppress weeds in your flower beds this year.
Can Love-Lies-Bleeding Be Grown in Pots?
Absolutely! You can cultivate this annual in pots, provided you use a large container with good drainage. Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix and place it in a sunny location. Regular summer watering and monthly liquid fertilizer will support lush growth throughout June, July, and August.
Explore the various excellent varieties of love-lies-bleeding, such as 'Coral Fountain' with its lovely blush pink blooms, or 'Dreadlocks' featuring deep magenta tassels. Find love-lies-bleeding seeds at Burpee.
For more gardening inspiration, check out our guide on growing cockscomb, another stunning plant to enhance your garden this year.
