Showstopping Love Lies Bleeding: Growing This Dramatic Flower in Hanging Baskets

With its cascading ropes of jewel-toned blooms, love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) makes a stunning display when grown in hanging baskets. This exotic-looking annual adds incredible drama to porches, patios or any vertical space begging for some pizzazz

Love lies bleeding’s long, trailing flower tassels are eye-catching enough on their own, but they’re made even more impactful when allowed to tumble gracefully over the edges of a hanging container Follow these simple tips for successfully growing this showstopper from seed and caring for it throughout the season

Choosing the Right Basket

Whilelove lies bleeding can technically be grown in any type of hanging basket its long dangling blooms and vines look best when allowed to spill dramatically over the sides. For maximum impact, select a basket at least 12-14 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Sturdy wire baskets give the vines room to billow outward.

Make sure the basket has several drainage holes. Though love lies bleeding tolerates some drought once established, adequate drainage prevents soggy soil that can lead to root rot. A lightweight potting mix formulated for containers is ideal.

When to Start Seeds

Love lies bleeding is a fast-growing annual that thrives in hot, sunny conditions. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Plant two or three seeds in small pots or cell packs, covering them lightly with soil.

Keep the seeds moist and move them to a sunny spot or under grow lights to germinate. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per pot once they sprout. Transplant seedlings into hanging baskets after all danger of frost has passed.

Caring for Love Lies Bleeding

Though relatively low-maintenance once established, love lies bleeding does require some care to look its best in hanging containers:

• Keep baskets in full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Love lies bleeding thrives in hot, sunny conditions. Afternoon shade is appreciated in extremely hot climates.

• Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid wet feet. Water gently at soil level rather than overhead.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Look for options formulated for containers.

• Prune back any damaged vines or remove spent flower tassels to encourage new growth.

• Stake vines if they become excessively long or heavy. Soft plant ties or twist ties work well to provide support without damaging delicate stems.

• Bring hanging baskets indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F. This tropical-looking annual is not cold hardy.

Maximizing the Drama

Beyond basic care, there are some fun tricks to maximize the elegance and allure of love lies bleeding in hanging containers:

• For the most abundant blooms, choose a red or burgundy variety like ‘Fountain of Love’ or ‘Queen of Africa.’

• Underplant trailing vines with shorter edging plants like sweet alyssum or dwarf petunias in coordinating colors.

• Grow love lies bleeding in mixed containers with blue or purple companions like lobelia, verbena, or trailing dichondra.

• Combine red and green varieties together for an exotic, tropical look. Or pair contrasting textures, like the fine strands of ‘Coral Fountain’ love lies bleeding with bold elephant ear leaves.

• Plant love lies bleeding in hanging coils lined with coco fiber for a natural look. Or fill large wire egg baskets and let vines drape over the sides.

• Use love lies bleeding in impressive multi-basket displays on stair railings, gazebos, arbors and other vertical structures.

• Accent with large tropical leaves, ornamental grasses orbold architectural plants like bananas for added height and contrast.

Enjoy the Show

With its sensational cascades of colorful, dangling tassels, love lies bleeding steals the show when grown in hanging baskets. For maximum impact, give this exotic annual plenty of sun, warmth, and room to spill dramatically. Love lies bleeding truly lives up to its name, bleeding color and providing months of nonstop garden drama.