17 Showy Amaranth Varieties that Shine in Fall Arrangements

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I was first introduced to amaranth many, many years ago, when I started working on a cut flower farm. To be honest, I thought it was an outrageous-looking plant. Looking at a single stem of Love-Lies-Bleeding, I thought, “Who the heck is going to buy this?”.

My skepticism quickly evaporated when I saw how beautifully the fuzzy, chenille-like plumes filled out floral arrangements. The long, draping types added movement to bouquets, and the rich, dark red varieties brought the drama for folks who wanted to steer away from typical cotton candy-esque pastel floral colors. 

Looking for a dried arrangement that will last you months? After harvesting the flower heads, simply hang them upside down out of direct sunlight in a warm dry space. They will dry in 2-3 weeks and you’ll be able to admire your garden’s gorgeous blooms all year round. 

Read on and get inspired to try one (or more) of these stunning amaranth varieties in your garden.

Amaranth Overview

The word “amaranth” is derived from the Greek term “amarantos”, which means “unwithering” or “unfading”. This hardy plant is well-suited to its name, as it is incredibly heat- and drought-resistant. Native to tropical regions of African, Asia, and South America, this plant has long been grown around the globe as a nutritious grain and leafy vegetable.

There are roughly 800 different species in the Amaranthaceae family, so it is not totally surprising that at least a few are fantastic cut flowers. Species grown primarily for their colorful foliage, like Amaranthus tricolor, have a very short vase life of less than 5 days and are much better suited for beds and border plantings. However, cultivars of Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus, and several other species can easily have a 7-10 day vase life when harvested properly.

For fabulous fall florals, harvest amaranth blooms when the flower heads are about three-quarters of the way open. Strip away the lower foliage and side shoots so only the stem will be submerged in the water of your container. Depending on the variety, you may want to remove most of the upper foliage as well, so the colorful, textured spikes and plumes are visible.

Coral Fountain Love-Lies-Bleeding Amaranth Seeds

The pendulous tassels of ‘Coral Fountain’ will win you over to the world of unusual, dramatic flowers. These 18″ “tassel flowers” in varying shades of coral, dry beautifully for everlasting arrangements, wreaths, or other crafts.

Buy at Epic Gardening

‘Autumn’s Touch’

The impressively large plumes of ‘Autumn’s Touch’ are absolute show-stoppers in fall arrangements. Unique bicolor spires are coppery brown and tinted with pale green. The floral spires rise above 40-48-inch tall plants on sturdy, straight stems. ‘Autumn’s Touch’ thrives in the heat and won’t lose its color in the sun. Highlight this amaranth’s unique hue by pairing it with other greenish annuals like Sweet Annie and zinnias, for a fresh take on fall florals.

‘Coral Fountain’

Cascades of rose-colored tassels flow from the top of this gorgeous variety of amaranth. The peachy, 18-inch long flowers of ‘Coral Fountain’ contrast beautifully with this plant’s lime green foliage. Pollinators are drawn to the pink flowers, which are long-lasting in both fresh and dried arrangements. The draping growth habit of ‘Coral Fountain’ adds a charming touch to bouquets; this plant would be the perfect addition to fall wedding florals.

‘Elephant’s Head’

‘Elephant’s Head’ is an heirloom variety that was developed well over 100 years ago, and it still makes quite the statement today! An almost imposing plant in the garden, ‘Elephant’s Head’ amaranth easily stands 5 feet tall. Deep maroon flowers can grow to be 12-18 inches in size and feature a prong-like “trunk” set on top of a wider base. Pair this epic beauty with a red, equally giant sunflower variety, like ‘Rouge Royale’ or ‘Shock-O-Lat’.

‘Emerald Tassels’

I’m a huge fan of all-green flowers and ‘Emerald Tassels’ does not disappoint! This variety displays rope-like trailing blooms in bright pistachio green. ‘Emerald Tassels’ works well in both fresh and dried floral arrangements. When dried, this variety shifts from vivid green to a pale tan that’s very versatile in fall arrangements. 

‘Globe Amaranth’

While this plant isn’t an Amaranthus spp., it is in the Amaranthaceae family. It is also one of my favorite cut flowers; its whimsical pom-pom flowers are delightful in both fresh and dried arrangements.

Heat-loving globe amaranth starts flowering in the middle of the summer and will continue right through fall – it’s early October and my zone 4 garden still has a few blooming away. There are plenty of globe amaranth varieties to choose from, however, my personal favorites for floral arrangements are the rose-colored ‘QIS™ Carmine’ and reddish-orange ‘Strawberry Fields’.

‘Green Tails’

With the exception of color, ‘Green Tails’ variety looks very similar to ‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’. Soft, tassel-like flowers are a pale chartreuse and can average 2-3 feet long! The trailing shape of this variety lends lots of movement to bouquets. ‘Green Tails’ can easily reach 5 feet in height. Pinch central stems when they’re around 12 inches tall to encourage a bushier, branching plant.

‘Green Thumb’

‘Green Thumb’ is also commonly called Prince-of-Wales Feather and Prince’s Feather. A Royal Horticultural Society Garden Merit Award winner, ‘Green Thumb’ is a compact variety of amaranth. Upright, bushy spikes of apple green stand no taller than 2 feet in height, making this variety well-suited for containers and small garden spaces.

The textured, wooly flower heads are excellent fillers in bouquets and other arrangements. Try pairing ‘Green Thumb’ with warm, contrasting flowers like ‘Orange Wonder’ snapdragon and ‘Queeny Lime Orange’ zinnia.

‘Hopi Red Dye’

An heirloom variety, ‘Hopi Red Dye’ has long been grown as a food dye plant by the southwestern Hopi Nation. Fresh flowers, stems, and leaves can be soaked in water to create natural red dye. This variety has vivid, bright red flower spikes. Compared to many other upright varieties, ‘Hopi Red Dye’ has slightly smaller flower heads, making it the perfect filler for bouquets and arrangements.

‘Hot Biscuits’

The warm brown to copper-colored plumes of ‘Hot Biscuits’ positively scream autumn! Four-foot-tall plants are topped with 6-12-inch tall flower spikes. Branching stems allow for multiple cuttings from one plant. ‘

Hot Biscuits’ grows well in all types of soils and is both heat- and drought-tolerant. This prolific, easy-to-grow amaranth holds its colors longer than many other varieties and looks stunning in fall arrangements and bouquets. 

‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’

Love-Lies-Bleeding is the common name for the species A. caudatus.This is an old-fashioned plant in the floral design world, and it is known for its soft, fuzzy, tassel-like flowers in rich burgundy. The species name comes from the Latin word that means “tailed” or “tail-like”, and is in reference to its long, drooping flowers. This amaranth grows 3-5 feet tall and the dangling flowers can easily be 18 inches in length. The rich red blooms attract bees, hummingbirds, and loads of other beneficial pollinators.

‘Marvel Bronze’

‘Marvel Bronze’ is an upright amaranth variety that stands 3-5 feet tall. Feathery crimson flower spikes and dark plum-colored foliage make for a very dramatic combination. ‘Marvel Bronze’ looks especially gorgeous when paired with contrasting white, cream, pastel pink, and other pale colors.

‘Mira’

An elegant and unusual bicolor variety, ‘Mira’ is undoubtedly a showstopper. Textured, rope-like flowers bloom in shades of violet and sage green. As with other A. caudatus varieties, ‘Mira’s blooms are long, cascading tassels. Plants stand 3-4 feet tall, with trailing flowers up to 18 inches long. An excellent cut flower, ‘Mira’ will add color and texture to both the garden and flower arrangement.

‘Opopeo’

‘Opopeo’ is a traditional Mexican variety grown for its leaves and seeds, as well as its attractive flowers. This productive amaranth variety produces large, deep burgundy spikes of flowers atop bright magenta stems.

Leaves are a deep olive green with a slight burgundy hue to them. A huge plant that can easily reach 6 feet tall, ‘Opopeo’ is an impressive addition to both floral bouquets as well as mixed beds and borders. Try planting with purple ornamental millet for a dramatic, heat-tolerant bed.

‘Pygmy Torch’

‘Pygmy Torch’ is a compact heirloom variety perfect for containers and small garden spaces. This drought- and heat-tolerant annual stands no taller than 2 feet in height. Try growing this variety in a planter with ornamental peppers and fragrant, bushy gem marigolds. The dark, wine-red feathery blooms of ‘Pygmy Torch’ will pair beautifully with the vivid oranges and yellows of the other plants.

‘Red Garnet’

Let’s follow up the petite ‘Pygmy Torch’ with impressively giant ‘Red Garnet’ amaranth. This towering plant can easily reach upwards of 8 feet in height! The perfect tall plant for fences and privacy screens, ‘Red Garnet’ is also a lovely cut flower.

‘Red Garnet’ boasts beautiful dark red-to-fuchsia upright flowers that look gorgeous in fall arrangements. Bronze-green leaves are edged in dark red and, when harvested young, can be cooked just like spinach. This variety also makes for an attractive microgreen.

‘Red Spike’

One of the darkest red varieties available, ‘Red Spike’ has rich, chocolate-red flowers and leaves. Unlike some of the other upright amaranth varieties, ‘Red Spike’ has elegantly arching plumes that lend a graceful touch of movement to floral arrangements, both fresh and dried. Immature leaves are tender and edible. This variety stands 5 feet tall and may also be called ‘Archie’s Red Spike’.

‘Velvet Curtains’

Sometimes used by designers as an alternative to ‘Red Spike’, ‘Velvet Curtains’ exhibits red feathery blooms ever-so-slightly lighter in color. Dark foliage and elegant flowers make ‘Velvet Curtains’ a lovely addition to late summer and fall floral arrangements. It is also a wonderful addition to mixed beds and borders, blooming late in the season when many perennials have petered out. This variety grows 4-5 feet tall and thrives in full sun and plenty of heat.