Love Lies Bleeding is a captivating heirloom amaranth that lives up to its romantic name with dramatic, deep crimson flower spikes that cascade like velvet ropes from the plant's shoulders. Hardy across zones 2 through 11, this easy-to-grow annual reaches 12 to 18 inches wide and flowers in about 70 days, making it a reliable choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Beyond the garden's edge, these extraordinary blooms transition beautifully into dried arrangements, extending their visual drama long after the growing season ends.
Full Sun
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2-11
?in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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The long, drooping seed heads in deep red are the showstopper here, creating an almost sculptural presence in the garden that few other annuals can match. Direct sow after frost danger passes in full sun and well-drained soil, and you'll have dramatic color by midsummer with minimal fuss. This heirloom amaranth tolerates both fair fertility and dry conditions, making it especially valuable for gardeners working with challenging soil or in drier climates. The plant self-sows readily if left to mature, so deadheading seed heads as they dry gives you control over whether it returns next year.
Love Lies Bleeding shines as a focal point in garden beds and borders, where its unusual drooping form creates vertical interest and movement. It's equally prized by flower arrangers and gardeners who dry flowers for winter bouquets, as the deep crimson seed heads maintain their color and structure beautifully when dried.
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Direct sow Love Lies Bleeding in spring after all threat of frost has passed, pressing seeds into a sunny, well-drained spot. Thin seedlings to 6 to 10 inches apart as they develop their first true leaves.
For flower arrangements and drying, harvest the seed heads once they have developed their full deep crimson color and begun to dry. Cut the entire drooping spike with scissors or pruners and hang upside down in a warm, well-ventilated space to cure completely before arranging.
Cut the long seed heads as they begin to dry if you want to prevent self-sowing in the next season. This deadheading also encourages the plant to stay attractive in the garden longer. Alternatively, allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant if you wish the amaranth to self-sow for the following year.
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