Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa 'Buddy White')

Overview

Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ is a celebrated annual known for its exceptionally long bloom time, extending from early summer right up until the first hard frost. This dwarf Globe amaranth variety produces compact, clover-like flowerheads that are valued for their papery texture and enduring color, making them a staple for gardeners seeking low-fuss, high-impact summer displays. The ‘Buddy White’ cultivar specifically lends a clean, bright accent to borders and containers.

As a member of the Amaranthaceae family, this plant thrives in heat and tolerates a range of soil conditions, provided they drain adequately. Its compact size, typically under a foot tall and wide, makes Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ highly versatile for edging or mass planting where space is limited. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required once established, especially its resistance to common pests and diseases.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal in the garden bed, the unique structure of the blooms ensures that this Globe amaranth excels as a fresh cut flower and, famously, as a long-lasting dried perennial or “everlasting.” Utilizing Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ delivers reliable, cheerful white texture throughout the season and preserves beauty well into the winter months.

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: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Sow the seed of Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ directly into the garden only after all danger of frost has passed, ensuring the soil approaches average warmth. Be aware that germination rates can be inconsistent, so gardeners often benefit from sowing ample seed or starting indoors 6 to 8 weeks early for a head start on bloom time. When transplanting seedlings or setting out nursery-purchased plants, ensure handling is gentle, and space them according to their 3/4 to 1 foot spread requirement.

While mature plants develop good drought resistance, regular moisture is key to maximizing flower production throughout the hot growing season; avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as this variety prefers well-drained conditions. This annual demonstrates extreme tolerance for high heat, flourishing where many other annuals may struggle. Fertilization is generally unnecessary in average soils, but a balanced feed mid-season can help support continuous flowering.

Pinching young plants early in their development promotes a denser, more bushier habit, which is particularly desirable for the compact Buddy Series. Taller varieties of Globe amaranth might require staking if winds are strong, but the dwarf nature of Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ usually negates this need. At the end of the season, simply remove the dead annual foliage; there is no winter preparation needed as it is grown only for one season.

Landscape Uses

The compact, mounded habit of the ‘Buddy White’ cultivar makes it an excellent choice for the front of mixed borders where mid-height structure is required rather than aggressive height. Consider planting swathes of this Globe amaranth alongside bold, large-leafed annuals or contrasting deep-colored foliage for visual pop. Its drought and clay tolerance also make it an ideal candidate for rock gardens or difficult, drier sites where maintenance must remain low.

Because of its reliable summer-long display and excellent performance in containers, Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ functions beautifully as seasonal “thriller” or “filler” material in pots, paired with trailing petunias or upright geraniums. When selecting companions, choose plants that share the same full-sun and well-draining soil needs for harmonious growth throughout the season.

For cutting gardens, harvest stems when the clover-like flowerheads are fully colored but before they feel excessively tough. The uniformity and clean white color of Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ allow it to blend seamlessly into nearly any summer floral arrangement, whether used fresh or reserved for drying.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

The true appeal of Gomphrena globosa lies in its vibrant, papery, clover-like flowerheads that bloom profusely from summer until frost. The ‘Buddy White’ belongs to a dwarf series, growing uniformly to about 3/4 to 1 foot tall and wide, offering mounds of pure white blooms perfect for tight spaces or containers. This quality makes the Globe amaranth an excellent, long-lasting “everlasting” flower for drying without significant color loss.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

This plant is generally robust, suffering from no serious insect or disease pressures in the garden; however, prevention is always best practice. Mildew is the primary potential issue, usually occurring when plants become overly stressed by drought, especially late in the season. To prevent this, ensure plants receive consistent, medium moisture during peak summer heat, and maintain good air circulation by not overcrowding the spacing of your Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ plantings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Globe amaranth suitable for?

This plant is reliably grown as an annual across USDA Zones 2 through 11, offering broad utility across many climates.

How large does Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ grow?

The ‘Buddy White’ variety is a dwarf type, typically reaching a height and spread between 0.75 and 1 foot tall and wide.

What sun exposure does Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ need?

This plant requires full sun exposure to produce the best density of its showy white flowerheads.

When does Globe amaranth bloom?

The blooming period for this Globe amaranth begins in June and continues steadily until the first killing frost arrives late in the fall.

Conclusion

The Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ offers gardeners a dependable, heat-tolerant annual that delivers non-stop white color and superior performance both fresh and dried. Its low maintenance demands and attractive dwarf form confirm its value in borders, containers, and cutting patches across zones 2 to 11. Before planting, confirm your area has passed its last frost date to maximize the season of this stellar Globe amaranth.

Companion Planting

The cultural requirement profile of Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’—full sun, well-drained soil, medium water—means it pairs beautifully with many other mid-to-late-season annuals. Consider planting it alongside Zinnias or shorter varieties of Marigolds, which share similar heat tolerance and moisture needs. For textural contrast, species with a more upright, airy habit, like Cosmos, can complement the dense, mounded shape of the dwarf Globe amaranth.

Design Ideas

The uniform height and clean color of Gomphrena globosa ‘Buddy White’ make it an excellent choice for formalizing edges or creating repetitive patterns in large beds. Use it as a crisp white lining beneath taller, more flamboyant specimens like Dahlias or tall Zinnias, providing a visual ground plane that defines the space. Its ability to thrive even in clay or dry pockets means you can rely on it to fill in challenging transitional areas of the landscape plan without sacrificing visual uniformity.