Purple Pinball Gomphrena Plant

Purple Pinball Gomphrena Plants offer a mounding habit, vibrant purple color, exceptional heat and drought tolerance, and worry-free color all summer long! This long-blooming plant thrives in heat and isn't picky about the quality of the soil. It is grown in borders, rock gardens, cutting gardens, annual beds and containers.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 8-12 inches apart, depending on the variety

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.1-7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
• - Well-draining soil is crucial
• - Tolerates poor soil conditions once established

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly during establishment
• - Once established, Gomphrena is drought-tolerant
• - Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time
• - Apply a water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to reduced flowering

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Deadheading is not necessary but can promote continued blooming
• - Cut back by one-third mid-season to rejuvenate if plants become leggy
• - Excellent for dried flowers; harvest when blooms are fully open

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for aphids and spider mites in dry conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces distinctive globe-shaped flower heads
• - Blooms from summer through fall

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun for best flowering
• - Can tolerate partial shade, but may result in fewer blooms

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F
• - Excellent heat and humidity tolerance
• - Not frost-hardy; treat as an annual in colder climates

Companion Plants for Gomphrena:

• - Zinnias: Offers similar sun and heat tolerance with a variety of flower shapes
• - Salvia: Provides vertical interest and attracts pollinators
• - Lantana: Offers contrasting flower clusters and thrives in similar conditions
• - Celosia: Adds unique flower shapes and complements Gomphrena's globe-shaped blooms
• - Marigolds: Provides complementary colors and similar durability in hot conditions