I think they would be lovely in a cottage garden! They are in the same family as Love-Lies-Bleeding, right? I wish I could help you with your question, but I've not had all that much luck with amaranths. I did once have a row of Elephant trunk (elephant head?) amaranths that were cool though.

If you try them, post pics.
kent

Here is a link that might be useful: Amaranthus caudatus

Thanks for providing a link, Kent. This is such an interesting plant!

Flowered-, Go for it!
I have not grown this myself, but have been tempted to try too! Here are some things I learned about it:

From Larry Hodgson's excellent "Annuals for Every Purpose":

"You can buy amaranths in six packs or cell packs, but the secret is to get them while they are still young. Plants already in bloom rarely thrive when they are transplanted, although pruning them back harshly at planting can help".

For your zone Flowered-, you would need to start seeds indoors (don't know about winter sowing) but Larry says you must transplant them while still small and sowing in peat pots is best as the more plants mature, the more they resent transplanting. He adds that "Most amaranths will self-sow but but the resulting seedlings rarely reach full size in shorter-season areas". They are most colorful grown in full sun and soil that is not overly rich. It hates wet feet.
They could be on the invasive side in Z10-11.

Larry suggests combining them with Celosia spicata, Nicotiana 'Lime Green', and clouds of Cosmos bipinnatus.

Hope you give them a try. Good luck!
PattiOh

Thanks for so much info..Sound like a bit of a picky little thing, but i am going to give it a whirl.I just ordered some.My daughter wants me to plant the "dreadlocks flower" in her corner.
about 4" of snow melted from our 3'.its getting closer to
spring in ny

I have planted out my amaranthus in the garden when they are about 3-4 inches tall and they never grew another inch. then one yr they were huge, then they werent at all. i've got about 6 different variety ready plant (seeds) but not the pony tail. that is wild looking! i will have to try and find it.

Amaranthus caudatus looks fabulous in a cottage garden! They are actually a very old Victorian favourite (and yes, they are called Love Lies Bleeding). I've grown it for several years and it's always stunning. I get so many questions and comments about it. I haven't tried the Pony Tails, but ordered another new one (can't remember the name). I've posted a picture of my Amaranthus caudatus from last summer in the Gallery.

I just started mine last week (under lights). The mature plants easily reach 4 feet and are covered in long pink "ropes" from July to October. It is very easy to grow here so I think it would be easy in NY zone 5, as well. It likes full sun and tolerates heat/drought well, though it does equally well if watered regularly. Definately add this to your garden, flowered corners! I'm sure you will love it.

Flowered ~ Do let us know how they grow for you.

This looks like something I would like. Love lies bleeding is an interesting name. I went to a website that shows several kinds of amaranths. They are really pretty. I have Gomphrena - globe amaranth in purple and it's a sweet little flower.

I thought it was cute that your daughter said she wanted some 'dreadlock' flowers for her part of the garden.

FlowerLady

Balsam, I hope everyone visits the gallery to see your wonderful photo of Amaranthus caudatus!
Thanks for sharing it.
Now I'm thinking I need one too!

Flowered-,
I'm so glad you started this thread!

Patti

Ohhhh lucky you! I was supposed to get some in a trade a year or two ago, but after I sent my seeds to that person she dropped off the planet and never sent my half of the swap. Ugh! But I fell in love with the photos of that plant on the internet. I think Gottagarden uses amaranthus heavily in her red bed. It will add a nice height and the flowers are long-lasting from what I remember. Have fun!

Tracy