Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is an herbaceous ornamental that makes a great addition to any garden. It is a fast-growing plant with striking blooms, making it popular in flower gardens. Love Lies Bleeding also serves as a much-loved cut flower and is commonly found dried in flower arrangements.
Family
Love Lies Bleeding, also known as Amaranthus caudatus, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. This family is quite diverse and includes many other popular ornamental flowers such as prickly pear cacti and quinoa. The Amaranthaceae family is a group of flowering plants that are typically herbaceous, although some species may be woody or succulent. The family is widely distributed throughout the world, and includes many economically important species such as spinach and beetroot.
Despite its somewhat ominous name, Love Lies Bleeding is actually a beautiful plant that produces long, drooping flower spikes that range in color from deep red to purple. The flowers themselves are small and inconspicuous, but are surrounded by showy bracts that give the plant its striking appearance. Love Lies Bleeding is native to the Andes mountains of South America, but has been widely cultivated in other parts of the world for its ornamental value.
Plant Type
As mentioned earlier, Love Lies Bleeding belongs to the Amaranthus genus and is an annual plant. This means that it completes its life cycle within one growing season, starting from seed germination, growing, flowering, setting seeds, and eventually dying. As an annual, Love Lies Bleeding is known for its fast-growing nature, making it an ideal plant for gardeners who want to see quick results in their landscape.
Mature Size
Love Lies Bleeding, also known as Amaranthus caudatus, can reach an impressive height of up to 8 feet, making it a striking presence in any garden or landscape. However, it’s important to note that the mature size of the plant can vary depending on the growing conditions, such as the quality of the soil, the amount of sunlight, and the availability of water and nutrients.
In addition to its height, it can also spread out to a width of about 2-3 feet, forming a bushy and dense clump of foliage. The leaves are elongated and lance-shaped, with a bright green color that contrasts beautifully with the deep red or purple of the flowers. The flower spikes themselves can range in length from 12 to 36 inches, depending on the variety.
While its size may seem daunting, it’s worth noting that the plant can be easily controlled through pruning and regular maintenance. Pruning can help to shape the plant and prevent it from becoming too tall or leggy, while also encouraging bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Deadheading the spent flowers can also help to prolong the blooming period and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.
Sun Exposure
As previously mentioned Amaranthus caudatus prefers full sun exposure to grow and bloom best. Full sun exposure is defined as at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, the plant can also tolerate partial shade, which is defined as receiving only 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
When grown in full sun, Love Lies Bleeding produces the most vibrant and intense flower colors. The plant’s foliage also tends to be more lush and abundant, which enhances its overall appearance. However, in hotter climates or during heatwaves, full sun exposure can sometimes cause the plant to wilt or become stressed, especially if the soil is not consistently moist.
Partial shade can provide some relief periods of intense heat or drought, as it reduces the amount of direct sunlight and heat that the plant is exposed to. In partially shaded areas, Love Lies Bleeding may produce slightly fewer flowers, but the plant is still able to thrive and grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace. In general, partial shade is a good option for gardeners who live in regions with high temperatures or where the soil tends to dry out quickly.
Soil Type
Amaranthus caudatus is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of soil types and conditions. However, it does prefer a well-drained soil, which means that the soil should be able to drain excess water quickly, preventing waterlogging and soil saturation. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which can ultimately kill the plant.
While Love Lies Bleeding prefers well-drained soil, it can still tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant can even thrive in poor soils that are low in organic matter and nutrients, although it may produce fewer flowers or grow more slowly under these conditions. To improve the soil quality, gardeners can add organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil before planting. This can help to improve the soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
Another advantage is that it can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, ranging from acidic to alkaline. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal although the plant can still grow well outside of this range. If the soil pH is too high or too low, the plant may experience nutrient deficiencies or toxicities, which can negatively impact its growth and flowering. Gardeners can test the soil pH using a soil test kit, which can be purchased at most garden centers or online.
It’s also worth noting that this plant is a low-maintenance plant that does not require heavy fertilization. Over-fertilizing can actually harm the plant and reduce its overall health and vigor. Instead, gardeners can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, once a month during the growing season to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizer, as over-application can lead to chemical burns and damage the plant’s roots.
Bloom Time
The exact bloom time can vary depending on several factors, such as the climate, growing conditions, and planting time. In cooler climates or areas with shorter growing seasons, the plant may start blooming later in the season and continue into early winter, while in warmer climates or areas with longer growing seasons, the plant may begin blooming earlier in the season and continue well into the fall.
To ensure a prolonged bloom time and the most vibrant flower colors, gardeners should provide the plant with optimal growing conditions, such as full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and regular watering. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can also help to promote continued blooming by encouraging the plant to produce more blooms instead of diverting energy into producing seeds.
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Flower Color
Love Lies Bleeding flowers are a striking corally-crimson color that stands out against the large green leaves.
Hardiness Zones
Love Lies Bleeding is hardy in zones 2–11.
Native Area
Love Lies Bleeding is native to southwestern Asia, South American and Mexico.
How to Plant
Love Lies Bleeding is typically grown from seed but can also be planted as a cutting. Plant the seeds directly in your garden in early spring once soil temperatures have reached at least 55F. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart and be sure to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Alternatively, plant cuttings in late summer by cutting away the top of the stem and placing the cutting in water or damp soil. Allow the cutting to develop roots before transplanting into the garden.
The plant prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade as long as it still receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Water the plant regularly and thoroughly to keep the soil consistently moist and never let it dry out completely. Fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Meaning and Symbolism
Love Lies Bleeding has been used for centuries for its various medicinal purposes. In the language of flowers, it symbolizes pain, passion, and endurance. Its long, tassel-like blooms are also said to represent unrequited love, devotion, and a playful energy, making it a popular flower to give to a loved one.
History, Mythology, and Religious Significance
Love Lies Bleeding has played an important role in the history, mythology, and religious significance of different cultures around the world. It has been a part of traditional folkloric healing practices since ancient times and is sacred to many ethnic and religious groups.
Flower Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics
Love Lies Bleeding comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The most common variety is the corally-crimson variety which is the one featured in this article. Other varieties of Love Lies Bleeding include the deep-burgundy Red Glory and the white bloomed White Cloud. There is also a variety called Lemon Sunrise which is yellow with streaks of orange and red.
How to Pot and Repot
Love Lies Bleeding is a great plant for growing in pots or containers. Choose a potting container with a drainage hole to avoid root rot due to waterlogging. Fill the container with a well-draining soil and leave a few inches between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot. Place the Love Lies Bleeding in the container and backfill the soil around it, tamping down as you go. Water your Love Lies Bleeding thoroughly, allowing the water to run through the drainage hole.
To repot, simply place the plant in a new container with fresh soil and water it well. Note that Love Lies Bleeding doesn’t like to be repotted too often, so only do so if the plant is starting to look rootbound.
How to Prune
Love Lies Bleeding should be pruned in early spring before it begins to bloom. Cut back any dead or diseased branches and old woody stems. This will help the plant to stay healthy and produce more flowers.
How to Propagate
Love Lies Bleeding can be propagated both by seed and by cuttings. To propagate by seed, plant your seeds in the spring once the temperature is above 55F. To propagate by cuttings, take a cutting of the stem and place it in water or damp soil. When roots begin to form, transplant your cutting into the soil.
Common Pests and Diseases
Love Lies Bleeding is susceptible to some common garden pests and fungus diseases. Pests such as aphids and mites can suck the juices out of the plant, leaving it weak and susceptible to disease. Watch for them and spray them off with a strong stream of water. Fungus diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can also affect Love Lies Bleeding. Be sure to provide proper air circulation and keep the foliage dry to avoid these diseases.
Three Most Common FAQs
Q: Does Love Lies Bleeding need to be deadheaded?
A: No, Love Lies Bleeding does not need to be deadheaded as it is an annual.
Q: How often should I water Love Lies Bleeding?
A: Love Lies Bleeding should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, but not too often.
Q: Is Love Lies Bleeding edible?
A: While Love Lies Bleeding has many culinary uses, it should not be consumed in large quantities as it contains high amounts of oxalic acid which can be toxic in large amounts.
Fact Sheet
| Flower Name | Amaranthus caudatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Mature Size | Up to 8 feet tall |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Bloom Time | Late summer, fall |
| Flower Color | Coral-crimson |
| Hardiness Zones | 2-11 |
| Native Area | Southwestern Asia, South America, Mexico |
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