Globe amaranth (Gomphrena FOREST PINK)
Grow Gomphrena FOREST PINK for showy, low-maintenance Globe amaranth flowers that last from summer. Ideal for cut and dried arrangements.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Gomphrena FOREST PINK is a standout hybrid Globe amaranth prized for its cheerful, long-lasting summer blooms. This annual offers bright pink, round flowers atop upright, airy stems, making it an excellent textural addition to any summer garden display. Its structure and robust nature contribute to a freely-branched growth habit that keeps the color coming from early summer until the first hard frost.
Gardeners appreciate this variety for its low maintenance needs and tolerance for less-than-ideal soil conditions. As a classic Globe amaranth, its colorful inflorescences are perfect for attracting pollinators. Whether used as a border plant or harvested fresh, Gomphrena FOREST PINK provides dependable performance throughout the growing season in sunny locations.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
- Plant Type: Annual
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to frost
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Start Gomphrena FOREST PINK indoors a few weeks before the last frost, or sow seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. While easily grown from seed, be aware that germination rates can sometimes be low, so starting indoors might ensure quicker establishment. Plant in a location offering full sun and ensure the soil is well-drained.
Once established, this Globe amaranth requires medium water, though it exhibits remarkable tolerance for drier soils and short periods of drought. Clay soil is not a hindrance, making it quite adaptable to various garden sites. Maintenance is generally low; simple deadheading is usually not required, as the flowers continue to look attractive until frost claims the plant.
Although hardy only in Zones 9-11, in colder regions, it thrives as an annual that can often readily self-seed, providing bonus plants next season if conditions are right. Pay attention to potential mildew issues in overly humid conditions, ensuring good air circulation around the upright stems of your Gomphrena FOREST PINK.
Landscape Uses
The upright, mounding nature of this Globe amaranth makes Gomphrena FOREST PINK a fantastic choice for defining the edges of mixed borders. It pairs well with plants that thrive in full sun and prefer similar medium moisture levels, such as zinnias or celosia, creating vibrant layers of texture and color. These plants are also perfectly suited for mass plantings where a consistent block of bright pink is desired.
Furthermore, their reliable performance in containers makes them ideal fillers or “thrillers” in large mixed pots. Because the flowers of Gomphrena FOREST PINK are long-lasting both on the plant and cut, they are a staple cutting garden component. Harvest blooms just as they begin to fully develop their papery texture for the best results in floral work.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gomphrena is a genus of around 100 species of herbaceous annuals, perennials, and subshrubs native to tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America and the Pacific Islands. Most species have characteristic terminal, rounded inflorescences with colorful, thin, paper-like bracts. Gomphrena FOREST PINK is a hybrid globe amaranth that features round, 1” wide, bright pink flowers atop upright, airy stems, reaching about 2’ tall with a 1’ spread, offering a very long bloom period.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
The primary concerns when growing Gomphrena FOREST PINK involve fungal issues, especially in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation. Watch carefully for powdery mildew, which appears as a white, dusty coating on the foliage, and leaf spot diseases. In very wet, cool weather, botrytis (gray mold) can sometimes affect the spent flowers or lower leaves. Ensure proper spacing during planting to maximize airflow and minimize fungal development. Deer generally find this plant unpalatable and tend to avoid browsing on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Globe amaranth suitable for?
Gomphrena FOREST PINK is exceptionally durable, able to withstand USDA Zones 2 through 11 when treated as an annual, though it is perennial only in the warmer end of that range (Zones 9-11).
How large does Gomphrena FOREST PINK grow?
This hybrid typically reaches a height between 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with a spread spanning from 0.75 to 1 foot wide, maintaining an upright, airy structure.
When does Globe amaranth bloom?
The vibrant pink flowers of this Globe amaranth begin blooming reliably in June and continue their colorful display all the the way until the first killing frost of autumn.
What sun exposure does Gomphrena FOREST PINK need?
For best results and maximum flower production, ensure your planting location provides full sun exposure throughout the day.
Conclusion
The combination of low maintenance requirements, excellent drought tolerance, and continuous pink blooms solidifies Gomphrena FOREST PINK as a powerhouse annual for summer gardens. This beautiful Globe amaranth truly delivers reliable color and superb material for preserving arrangements. Before planting, verify USDA zone compatibility and ensure you place your seeds or seedlings in the sunniest spot available for a season full of cheerful color.
Companion Planting
This plant’s cultural needs—full sun, medium water, and tolerance for poor soil—make it an easy partner for many summer bedding plants. Pair Gomphrena FOREST PINK with drought-tolerant companions like Coreopsis or ornamental grasses to create a dynamic, low-water border that maintains interest all season. Its bright pink color contrasts beautifully against silvery foliage plants or deep purple blooms from salvias.
Wildlife Benefits
The genus Gomphrena is highly regarded for its ability to attract beneficial insects to the garden. The unique structure of the Globe amaranth flowers provides an excellent landing pad and nectar source for numerous butterfly species. Planting a drift of Gomphrena FOREST PINK will significantly boost the visitation rate of local pollinators, enhancing the overall health and vibrancy of your entire flower bed.
