Amaranthus cruentus Red Cathedral seeds

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Cathedral’, also known as 'Red Dome', is a variety of annual amaranth remarkable for its upright inflorescences of intense crimson red. This firework-like flowering unfolds from summer until autumn. Amaranth thrives in warm climates, in well-drained soil, and adapts equally well to naturalistic gardens and more contemporary settings. Decorative in the ground or in a large pot, its flowers are magnificent in both fresh and dried bouquets.

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Cathedral’ belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. The species is an annual plant native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where it is traditionally cultivated for its nutritious seeds. This plant follows a strictly annual growth cycle: it germinates in spring, flowers abundantly in summer, and sets seed at the end of the season, before disappearing completely with the first frosts.

The ‘Red Cathedral’ cultivar has a bushy, upright habit, the plant reaching a height of 1.20 m to 1.50 m in the ground, with a spread of 45 to 60 cm. The abundant foliage is composed of large, ovate to lanceolate, medium green leaves, arranged alternately along the sturdy stems. The green to reddish stems may require staking to support the weight of the inflorescences. The root system is a taproot, with a deep main root and extensive secondary roots, giving the plant good drought resistance. Flowering extends from July to October. Its inflorescences, composed of tiny crimson flowers, are grouped into branched, dense, upright panicles, measuring 40 to 50 cm long. Pollination is mainly carried out by the wind (anemophily), although insects may also contribute. The fruits are small capsules containing black, shiny, edible seeds, rich in protein, iron, and calcium. 

The 'Red Dome' amaranths are theatrical flowers, whose dramatic presence is unrestrained in the heart of perennial borders and asserts itself in large pots on terraces, taking on the role of an ephemeral bush. They enhance the simple flowering of the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), and accompany with fanfare the flowers of Echinacea Sombrero 'Baja Burgundy'. You could also plant them in groups of 3 to 5 specimens amidst a carpet of groundcover plants like snow-in-summer Cerastium bierbesteinii.

Amaranth is a sacred plant in many Native American cultures, used in religious rituals and symbolising eternal life due to the longevity of its seeds. This symbolism has spanned the centuries, and even today, amaranth is associated with perseverance and resilience in the language of flowers.