Also known as Globe Amaranth, Gomphrena brings a burst of color and charm to any sunny garden. Native to Central and South America, Gomphrena is beloved for its vibrant globe-shaped blooms, long-lasting color, and incredible toughness. Heat- and drought-tolerant once established, it’s one of the most dependable annuals for Upstate South Carolina gardeners — thriving from spring through frost with minimal care.
Our Selection of Gomphrena
At Martin Garden Center, we carry several different varieties of Gomphrena in the Spring. The “Ping Pong” series has white, pink or purple globes and this cultivar ranges from 8-12 inches in height. In 2023, one of our customers came in and bought 65 of the purple variety. WOW. We also carry Proven Winner Truffula Pink Gomphrena, which grows 20-30 inches in height. After several years of searching for Strawberry Fields Gomphrena and being thwarted because none of the growers in our area carry it, we bought seeds so we will see the gorgeous red blooms of Gomphrena haageana, or Strawberry Fields.
We are finding that Gomphrena are gaining in popularity. In 2024, we sold out rather quickly and we could not locate Gomphrena from our vendors. So if you want this easy to care for prolific blooming plant that makes an excellent cut flower, shop in the early Spring.
We are growing the following varieties in 2025:
- Ping Pong Series – Compact (8–12”) plants with dense white, pink, or purple globes. Perfect for borders and container accents.
- Truffula Pink (Proven Winners®) – Vigorous, tall selection (20–30”) with fluffy, hot pink blooms; ideal for cut flower gardens.
- Strawberry Fields (G. haageana) – Finally returning in 2025! Known for its bright red “strawberry” blooms and sturdy stems.
- QIS Series (Carmine, Orange, Purple) – Bred for uniform growth and exceptional performance in mass plantings and cut flower use.
- Gnome Purple – Petite, dense form with classic lavender-purple blooms; great for small gardens and edging.
🌷 New for 2025: We’re growing Strawberry Fields Gomphrena from seed after years of searching for it locally — expect to see its bold red flowers in limited quantities this spring!
How To Grow and Care for Gomphrena
Gomphrena needs to be planted in a location that receives full sun; these plants require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce their vibrant and long-lasting blooms. They should be spaced over 12 inches apart, as they can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Gomphrena prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, ensuring that the plant’s roots have adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Caring for Gomphrena involves consistent moisture management. While it can tolerate drought conditions once established, regular watering is necessary during dry periods, especially when the plant is young. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Gomphrena is relatively low-maintenance and typically doesn’t require frequent fertilization. Gomphrena are relatively disease and pest-resistant, but it’s still a good practice to monitor for any signs of pests and address them if necessary.
Leaves and Flowers
The distinctive globe-shaped blooms of Gomphrena are composed of papery bracts rather than petals, giving them a unique, long-lasting texture. Colors range from bright magenta and deep purple to pure white and fiery red, often retaining their vibrancy even after drying.
The foliage is green and lightly fuzzy, forming a bushy backdrop that highlights the rounded blooms. Some varieties feature subtle color variations or silvery undertones on the leaves.
Gomphrena blooms continuously from late spring to frost, without the need for deadheading. Their everlasting nature makes them perfect for dried arrangements — retaining color for months or even years indoors.
Uses in the Garden
- Cut Flower Gardens: Gomphrena’s unique globe-shaped flower heads make them excellent cut flowers. The long-lasting blooms are prized for their vibrant colors and intriguing texture, making them ideal for fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Borders and Edging: Gomphrena’s compact growth habit and profusion of blooms make it well-suited for borders and edging in garden beds. Planted along pathways or lining garden borders, Gomphrena creates a neat and colorful border that adds visual interest and defines garden spaces.
- Pollinator Gardens: The nectar-rich flowers of Gomphrena attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
- Container Gardening: Gomphrena’s adaptability to container gardening makes it a popular choice for patio displays and balcony gardens. Its compact size and ability to thrive in containers with well-draining soil make Gomphrena a versatile option for adding color and interest to smaller outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Deer Eat Gomphrena?
Deer typically avoid feeding on Gomphrena plants due to their texture, taste, or scent. The tough and slightly fuzzy nature of the leaves, as well as the overall characteristics of the plant, make it less appealing to deer.
Should You Pinch Gomphrena?
Pinching can be done to encourage bushier growth and more compact plants. This involves removing the tips of the young stems, stimulating lateral branching and resulting in a fuller, more well-branched plant.
Does Gomphrena Need Light To Germinate?
Gomphrena seeds do not require light to germinate. In fact, these seeds typically germinate best when sown in darkness or covered with a thin layer of soil. While some seeds benefit from exposure to light for germination, Gomphrena seeds do not fall into this category.