Purple Amaranth: A Lesser-Known Annual for Adventurous Gardeners
Meet purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum var. pseudogracilis), a somewhat mysterious annual that might just be the conversation starter your garden needs. This non-native forb has quietly established itself in scattered locations across the United States, from Florida to Pennsylvania, and even reaches as far as Guam. While it’s not your typical garden center find, purple amaranth offers an intriguing option for gardeners who enjoy growing unusual plants.
What Makes Purple Amaranth Special?
Purple amaranth belongs to the amaranth family, known for their resilient nature and unique appearance. As an annual forb, this plant lacks significant woody tissue and completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. What sets this variety apart is its ability to reproduce spontaneously in the wild once established, showing just how adaptable it can be.
Also known by its scientific synonyms Amaranthus lividus var. polygonoides and Amaranthus lividus ssp. polygonoides, this plant has managed to persist in diverse locations across the lower 48 states and Pacific Basin regions.
Where Does Purple Amaranth Grow?
Currently documented in Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Guam, and U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, purple amaranth shows a scattered but persistent distribution pattern. Its presence in such diverse climatic regions suggests it’s quite adaptable to different growing conditions.
Should You Grow Purple Amaranth?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit complicated. As a non-native species, purple amaranth isn’t necessarily harmful, but its status as invasive or beneficial to local ecosystems remains unclear. For the cautious gardener, this uncertainty might be reason enough to look elsewhere.
Reasons to Consider It:
- Unique addition to annual flower gardens
- Hardy and adaptable nature
- Conversation piece for plant enthusiasts
- Self-seeding capability for low-maintenance areas
Reasons to Think Twice:
- Limited information about ecological impact
- Non-native status
- Unknown wildlife benefits
- Potential for unwanted spreading
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the amaranth family but prefer supporting native ecosystems, consider these beautiful alternatives:
- Palmer’s amaranth (where native)
- Green amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) in appropriate regions
- Native wildflowers specific to your region
- Indigenous forbs that provide similar garden interest
Growing Purple Amaranth Successfully
While specific growing information for this variety is limited, amaranths generally share similar care requirements. These resilient plants typically prefer:
Basic Care Guidelines:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soil
- Moderate water needs once established
- Minimal fertilization (they often thrive in poor soils)
Planting Tips:
- Start from seed after last frost
- Scatter seeds in prepared soil
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination
- Thin seedlings as needed for proper spacing
The Bottom Line
Purple amaranth represents one of gardening’s more enigmatic choices. While it’s not invasive or noxious according to current data, its non-native status and limited ecological information make it a plant for gardeners who enjoy experimenting with unusual species. If you do choose to grow it, monitor its behavior in your garden and be prepared to manage any unwanted spreading.
For most gardeners, exploring native amaranths and similar plants from your local region will provide greater ecological benefits while still satisfying that desire for something unique. Remember, the most rewarding gardens often combine the familiar with the unexpected – just make sure your unexpected choices support the local ecosystem too.
