A plant with theatre in every tassel, Love Lies Bleeding brings late summer borders to life with cascading ropes of crimson blooms. Grown for its drama as much as its history, this heritage amaranth is both beautiful and versatile — adored by pollinators, striking in cut arrangements, and surprisingly easy to grow.
Sow indoors from February or direct into the soil from May, and enjoy bold, drooping flower plumes right through to the first frosts. Perfect for cottage gardens, statement containers, or naturalistic planting schemes, its rich colour and graceful silhouette add vertical interest and late-season texture. The young leaves are edible, the seed is nutritious, and the whole plant holds centuries of global significance — from ancient grain to Victorian showpiece.
Grow it for colour, cut flowers, or simply for the pleasure of watching the tassels sway on a summer breeze.
