Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa
A native of the Indian subcontinent and introduced to Britain and America in the 1700's, Globe Amaranth thrives in hot, dry weather and the long-lasting flowers are superb for fresh or dried arrangements.
Jefferson recorded the sowing of Globe Amaranth seeds at Shadwell, his boyhood home, on April 2, 1767. A native of the Old-World tropics, the Globe Amaranth was grown in Virginia by Williamsburg's John Custis as early as 1737, but it has long been cultivated for its long-lasting flowers. At Monticello it was one of a limited number of heat-loving annuals suitable for the long Virginia summer. Today, it remains one of the most asked about flowers in the Monticello gardens.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
