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Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph’s Coat)

Tampala, Chinese Spinach, Floramor, Flower-Gentle, Joseph's Coat, St Joseph's Coat, Three-Coloured Amaranth, Calaloo, Callaloo, Amaranthus gangeticus, Amaranthus mangostanus, Amaranthus melancholicus, Amaranthus tristis

Amaranthus tricolor, Tampala, Chinese Spinach, Floramor, Flower-Gentle, Joseph's Coat, St Joseph's Coat, Three-Coloured Amaranth, Calaloo, Callaloo
Amaranthus tricolor, Tampala, Chinese Spinach, Floramor, Flower-Gentle, Joseph's Coat, St Joseph's Coat, Three-Coloured Amaranth, Calaloo, Callaloo

Grown for its multi-colored foliage, Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph’s Coat) is a bushy, upright annual with large, ovate leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm). While the species features green to purple leaves, the foliage of some cultivars can be a striking combination of brilliant yellow, red, pink or copper. The small green to red flowers are insignificant. Wonderfully exotic and easy to grow, Amaranthus tricolor adds drama in the garden. It is grown as an edible crop in some parts of the world. 

  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Generally disease free. Keep an eye our for aphids.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to Tropical Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Amaranthaceae
Genus Amaranthus
Common names Joseph's Coat, Chinese Spinach, Amaranth
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth)
Amaranthus tricolor ‘Early Splendor’ (Joseph’s Coat)
Amaranthus caudatus ‘Dreadlocks’ (Love-Lies-Bleeding)
Amaranthus caudatus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)
Amaranthus cruentus ‘Velvet Curtains’ (Purple Amaranth)

Recommended Companion Plants

Solenostemon Redhead (Coleus)
Cleome hassleriana ‘Helen Campbell’ (Spider Flower)
Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ (Giant Hyssop)
Trachelium caeruleum (Throatwort)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Full Sun
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Amaranthaceae
Genus Amaranthus
Common names Joseph's Coat, Chinese Spinach, Amaranth
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Amaranthus (Amaranth)
Not sure which Amaranthus (Amaranth) to pick?
Compare Now

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