Love-lies-bleeding 'Green Cascade'

Amaranthus caudatus 'Green Cascade' offers a fresh and architectural alternative to the more common red Love-lies-bleeding. This half-hardy annual produces long, pendulous, tassel-like flower spikes in a striking pale lime-green. The tassels can grow up to 60cm long, trailing elegantly to the ground or over the edges of large containers. The plant itself reaches about 100-120cm in height with large, light-green leaves. In the UK, Amaranthus needs a long, warm growing season to look its best. It should be sown under glass in March or April and planted out after all risk of frost has passed. It requires a sunny position and benefits from a fertile soil with plenty of moisture. 'Green Cascade' is a favourite of floral designers as the unusual tassels add movement and a dramatic vertical (or rather, horizontal and drooping) element to arrangements. It also looks spectacular at the back of a border where its unique form can be fully appreciated.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.