Flower Library
Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena · Amaranthaceae
Globe amaranth looks like clover dressed up for a party: perfectly round, firm flower heads in magenta, pink, white or orange on wiry stems. What appears to be petals is actually dry bracts — which is why gomphrena lasts exceptionally long, fresh or dried. In season we buy it by the bunch at the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Season
- July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 10–16 days
- Latin name
- Gomphrena
- Colors
- Purple-pink, Magenta, Red, Pink, White, Orange
Commercial stock traces back almost entirely to Gomphrena globosa and the larger-flowered Gomphrena haageana. Well-known series include „QIS“ with especially straight stems for cutting, and „Fireworks“ with loose pink heads tipped in gold. The palette runs from the typical purple-pink through strawberry red to pure white.
Technically globe amaranth is an everlasting: the spherical heads consist of dry, papery bracts with tiny, inconspicuous true flowers tucked between them. That makes it virtually wilt-proof — it barely changes in the vase over weeks, and its colour stays remarkably stable when dried.
In fresh work we use gomphrena as a dot flower: the spheres bring rhythm to summer bouquets, much like craspedia but in pinks and purples. Between zinnias, dahlias and grasses they look like threaded beads and instantly give even small posies character.
Its second career is dried floristry, where it is one of the most dependable flowers of all. Dried upside down, the heads keep shape and colour for many months; the strong magenta in particular stays almost unchanged. The only mistake worth mentioning: heads harvested too late elongate, turn egg-shaped and fall apart more easily.
A nice detail for advising customers: in Hawaii, gomphrena is threaded into traditional flower garlands (leis) because the blooms survive being worn for days. And dried Gomphrena globosa flowers are even brewed as a tea in Asia — the plant is completely harmless.
Is Globe Amaranth toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Globe amaranth is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children; in some places the blooms are even used as a tea. Dried heads can at most scratch mechanically if swallowed.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them in fresh, clean water.
- 02Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem.
- 03Change the water every two to three days — gomphrena needs little more.
- 04Keep cool; direct sun slowly bleaches the colours.
- 05To dry, hang bunches upside down in a dark, airy spot before the heads elongate.
- 06Dried heads can be wired individually — ideal for wreaths.
Frequently asked
- Is globe amaranth toxic to cats or dogs?
- No, Gomphrena globosa is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people — the dried blooms are even drunk as a tea in some countries. That makes globe amaranth one of the safest flowers for pet households.
- How long does gomphrena last in the vase?
- Ten to sixteen days is normal, often more. Since the heads consist of dry bracts they never really wilt in the classic sense — usually the stems or foliage give out before the bloom does.
- Does globe amaranth keep its colour when dried?
- Yes, better than almost any other flower. Magenta and purple-pink in particular stay nearly unchanged for months; white yellows slightly over time. The key is to dry it in good time and keep the finished bouquet out of direct sun.
- When is globe amaranth in season?
- As a cut flower from July to October, with the best selection in August and September. The plant needs warmth and comes mainly from summer field production — outside the season your best option is the dried version.