'If you only grow one flower this year, make it love-lies-bleeding' – how to grow this striking plant with cascades of crimson blooms

Love-lies-bleeding, or Amaranthus caudatus, is an impressive flowering plant that is well known for its cascading, unusual blooms. This annual is no shrinking violet and is sure to add a touch of drama and vibrancy to any space.

Native to South America, love-lies-bleeding thrives in sunny yards, tolerating high heat in the summer months. Whether you are a beginner gardener or a seasoned professional, learning how to grow love-lies-bleeding will ensure that your plot, whatever the shape or size, is full of color this year.

So, if you want to add height and texture to your borders, or perhaps you want to learn how to create a maximalist border full of impact, love-lies-bleeding comes highly recommended. Here, one plant expert from Wisconsin reveals everything you need to know about cultivating this unique plant.

How to grow love-lies-bleeding

Love-lies-bleeding is part of the Amaranthus plant group, made up of more than 50 annual and perennial species. Considered some of the best annual flowers to grow, love-lies-bleeding goes by many names, including tassel flower, velvet flower and pendant amaranth, which all do a wonderful job of describing this unique and showstopping plant.

Growing habits of love-lies-bleeding

'If you only grow one flower this year, make it love-lies-bleeding,' says plant expert, Katie Sunderlage. 'Amaranthus caudatus is one of my favorites to grow, whether in the ground or used in a container, and the summertime blooms are a spectacle to behold.'

As with all flowering annuals, love-lies-bleeding will only last until the first frost in fall, so these plants are best thought of as temporary additions for spring and summer. For this reason, they can be grown from US hardiness zones 3 to 10, although in cooler zones the more sunshine you give them, the better.

'Love-lies-bleeding can grow up to four feet tall and about 2 feet wide,' Katie adds, 'so be sure to give your plants plenty of room. These fast-growing flowering annuals prefer full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained soil.

'Generally, love-lies-bleeding is grown from seed, which makes this an economical choice for gardeners seeking new flower bed ideas,' Katie says. 'To ensure enough time to grow and bloom, it is recommended to start the seeds indoors eight weeks before the last expected frost date, typically somewhere around February.

'Flowers should appear about 12 weeks after seeds are sown,' Katie advises. 'So, if sown at the proper time, this plant will bloom from June or July until the first frost, filling your yard with extremely unique, tassel-shaped blooms. What's more, love-lies-bleeding is also known to attract birds, bees and butterflies - what more could you want!'

Love-lies-bleeding seeds are available from Amazon.

Katie Sunderlage

Operations Manager at Holland Group, managing the customer service department and purchasing. Katie has been in the green industry since 2005 in the Greater Milwaukee area, earning her degree in Horticulture in 2008. She has been able to share her love for plants working in multiple garden centers, in sales positions and most recently in an online retail platform at Holland Group.

Care guide for love-lies-bleeding

Soil: Love-lies-bleeding grows best in moist but well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. For best results, amend your soil by completing some mulching in the winter months before planting. While it prefers a slightly neutral to slightly acidic pH between 5.5 to 6.5, love-lies-bleeding is relatively adaptable and will grow in most locations.

Light: Full sun to partial shade is best for love-lies-bleeding. This flowering annual is a sun-loving plant, and the more sun it enjoys, the more blooms will be produced. Avoid positioning in shady borders.

Watering: While this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, love-lies-bleeding benefits from consistent watering during spring and summer. Deep watering once or twice a week, especially during sunny, dry months will help to keep the soil moist.

Fertilizing: Fertilizer is generally not needed for this annual and it can be grown even in poor soils. Mulching the flower bed in the winter months will help to create an ideal, nutritious environment.

Pruning: Deadhead faded flowers during the summer to encourage more flowers later in the season. If tall stems become floppy or snap, you can simply snip them down to a healthy joint. Leave the plant in the border for fall and winter interest, removing it entirely in the New Year.

Toxicity: Amaranthus caudatus is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family gardens. Many parts of the plant, including its leaves and seeds, are edible.

FAQs

Can I grow love-lies-bleeding in pots?

Yes, you can grow this annual plant in pots, so long as you provide a large container with good drainage. Fill your container with a fertile, well-draining potting mix and position in a sunny location. Regular watering is essential during summer, and monthly feeding with a liquid fertilizer will ensure lush growth during June, July and August.

There are many wonderful varieties of love-lies-bleeding to grow, including 'Coral Fountain', which has beautiful blush pink blooms, or 'Dreadlocks', which has deep magenta tassels. Love-lies-bleeding seeds are available from Burpee.

For more flower garden inspiration, see our guide on how to grow cockscomb, for another unique plant to add to your yard this year.