Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa 'Buddy Purple')

Overview

Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ is a standout dwarf variety of Globe amaranth cherished for its exceptionally long blooming period, extending from early summer right up until the first hard frost. This annual provides consistent color through the hottest parts of the season, making it a reliable backbone for summer bedding displays. Its unique, papery, clover-like flowerheads, displayed here in a rich deep purple, retain their color exceptionally well whether fresh cut or dried.

This variety, part of the compact ‘Buddy’ series, offers the toughness of Globe amaranth in a tidier, mounding habit ideal for containers and modern borders. It demands relatively little from the gardener, tolerating heat and poor soils once established. Gardeners value Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ not only for its vibrant color contribution but also for its utility as a durable dried flower everlasting.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1 ft
• Bloom Time: June to frost
• Bloom Description: Deep purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ thrives when established after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seed directly into the garden in average, well-drained soils placed in full sun. Be aware that germination rates for Globe amaranth seed can sometimes be inconsistent, so gardeners may choose to start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost date for earlier bloom. For optimum results, set seedlings or purchased plants out only after the danger of frost has passed.

While mature plants exhibit notable drought resistance, they perform best when provided with regular moisture throughout the growing season. This annual possesses excellent heat tolerance, making it suitable for sustained performance in hot climates where other annuals might falter. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of those desirable flowerheads.

To encourage a denser, bushier habit on your young Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ plants, apply a gentle ‘pinch’ when the plants are still small. This simple pruning technique forces side branching, ensuring a more compact form which is particularly beneficial for a dwarf cultivar like ‘Buddy Purple’. Taller old-fashioned varieties may need staking, but this compact growth helps maintain neat garden lines.

Landscape Uses

As a compact annual perfectly suited for defined spaces, Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ excels in borders, rock gardens, and along pathways where its low stature is appreciated. Its vibrant deep purple blossoms provide excellent contrast against silver foliage or bright yellow annuals. Because the stems are shorter on this dwarf cultivar, it functions beautifully as an edger or tucked into the front of mixed perennial/annual beds.

Beyond traditional garden beds, this Globe amaranth is absolutely ideal for containers and window boxes. Combining it with trailing plants creates dynamic, multi-textured arrangements that last all season. If you are designing a cutting garden, remember that while the stems are shorter, the flowerheads themselves are fantastic for creating small, long-lasting fresh arrangements or for adding deep purple accents to dried bouquets.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

Gomphrena globosa, commonly called globe amaranth, is a compact annual that typically grows 12-24” tall on upright branching stems. The true flowers are insignificant, tiny, white to yellow trumpets that are only visible close up. It is the bright magenta bracts arranged in globose, papery-textured, clover-like flowerheads that provide the real show in a long summer to frost bloom. Cultivars expand the range of flowerhead colors to include red, pink, purple, lilac, violet and white. Long lasting fresh cut flower. Excellent dried flower (an everlasting) that retains color well. Narrow oblong to elliptic green leaves (to 4” long).Genus name comes from the Latin name for a kind of amaranth usually grown as a dried flower.Specific epithet means round or spherical.Buddy Series is a series of dwarf, mounded annuals from Ernst Benary. The series includes ‘Buddy Purple’, ‘Buddy Rose’ and ‘Buddy White’. From late spring to mid fall, they have rich violet purple, rose or white flowers respectively in clover-like flowerheads. Though recommended as a dried flower, the short stems of this dwarf plant may make it more difficult to create a bouquet. They grow 3/4 to 1 ft. Tall and wide.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ is generally quite resilient, boasting no serious common insect or disease problems. Gardeners should watch for signs of powdery mildew, which may appear primarily on plants that have been severely drought-stressed or planted in areas with poor air circulation. Ensure adequate spacing when planting to promote airflow, and water the base of the plant rather than overhead, especially late in the day.

If taller cultivars were grown, staking might be necessary, but due to the dwarf nature of this ‘Buddy Purple’ selection, structural support is usually not required. Consistent, even moisture during peak summer heat will prevent stress that can invite minor issues like mildew.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Globe amaranth suitable for?

Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ is remarkably adaptable, thriving across USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11.

How large does Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ grow?

This compact annual typically reaches a mature height and spread between 0.75 to 1 foot tall and wide.

What sun exposure does Globe amaranth need?

For the best display of deep purple blooms, ensure that Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ receives full sun exposure daily.

When does Globe amaranth bloom?

You can expect this variety to provide continuous blooms from June right up until the first frost of the season.

Conclusion

Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ offers exceptional value due to its low maintenance requirements, outstanding heat tolerance, and exceptionally long season of vivid, deep purple color. Whether used as bedding material, in containers, or harvested for drying, this Globe amaranth remains reliably beautiful all summer long. Before planting, confirm the last expected frost date for your region to ensure you establish these resilient annuals successfully.

Propagation Tips

While purchasing seedlings is common, saving seeds from Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ saves money and ensures future supply, though germination can be variable. If you wish to propagate larger quantities, collecting the papery bracts after the color has fully set, allowing them to dry completely, will yield viable seed heads ready for storage or direct sowing next spring. Remember that direct sowing should only occur once soil temperatures are reliably warm following the last frost.

Companion Planting

The heat tolerance and deep purple color of Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy Purple’ make it an excellent companion for sun-loving, drought-tolerant neighbors. Pair it with silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or fine-textured ornamental grasses to highlight the sturdy, clover-like heads. It complements yellows and oranges beautifully in mixed annual beds, providing a cool, grounding contrast throughout the summer months.