Amaranthus
Amaranthus is prized for its long, velvety, rope-like tassels that cascade and drip from a bouquet with lush, tactile drama. The trailing form, love-lies-bleeding, spills in deep crimson or chartreuse green, while upright types add plush texture and height. Florists love it for boho and autumn weddings, cascading bridal bouquets and generous installations where movement and richness matter. It also dries exceptionally well, holding both colour and its distinctive draping shape.
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Andean South America (Peru, Bolivia) |
| Peak season | August, September, October |
| Availability | July, August, September, October, November |
| Stem length | 45–90 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | red, burgundy, green |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems on an angle and strip the lower foliage, which wilts faster than the tassels. Give a good drink in cool, clean water before arranging, as the leaves can flag if the stem runs dry. The long, draping ropes are the feature, so position them to trail over the edge of a design. Upright forms hold well; the trailing type also air-dries beautifully for lasting work.
- •Strip lower leaves, which wilt before the tassels
- •Give a deep drink in clean cool water
- •Position ropes to trail over the design edge
- •Recut and refresh water every few days
- •Air-dries well for preserved arrangements
- •Keep hydrated to stop the foliage flagging
2 named amaranthus cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Amaranthus in season?
Amaranthus peaks in August, September, October, and florists can usually source it July, August, September, October, November. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Amaranthus last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Amaranthus?
Good substitutes for Amaranthus include Globe amaranth, Zinnia, Dahlia, Bells of Ireland. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Amaranthus symbolise?
Amaranthus is associated with enduring love, immortality, faith, hopeless devotion.
How do you care for cut Amaranthus?
Strip lower leaves, which wilt before the tassels
