Gomphrena canescens
Common name: Bachelors Buttons
Family: AMARANTHACEAE (160 Genera)
Origin of Scientific Name
Gomphrena – Probably derived by Linnaeus from Gromphraena, an amaranth used by ancient Greeks and Romans as a medicinal plant.
canescens – becoming white and hoary or somewhat white or hoary, referring to their tendency to fade with age.
Description
Erect annual or perennial herb from 0.1 to 0.9 m high with flowers in varying shades of pink and purple, and in subsp. magentipetala, red. The flowers often fade to white with age. Leaves are long, narrow, glossy mid green.
Distribution
Gomphrena canescens grows on flat, sandy plains and road verges, as well as in moist depressions in grasslands and woodlands, in the tropical top third of Western Australia. Refer to the distribution map for this species via the Department of Environment and Conservation's FloraBase online herbarium.
Flowering Season
February to September, though peaking in April to August.
Cultivation/Propagation
Not easy to grow in the Perth climate as you would understand when you look at the distribution map. They require an open, sunny position and plenty of water when in active growth, but do not overwater during winter. Best planted in November, and treated as an annual.
View In Kings Park
The garden beds surrounding Zamia Cafe at Synergy Parkland, next to the boab trees at Two Rivers Lookout and around the Floral Clock. You may be interested in downloading the Western Australian Botanic Garden Guide brochure via our brochures page.