Chinese Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor): Vibrant Foliage for Tropical Effect

Chinese spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) is grown for its spectacular foliage—ornamental red, yellow, and green leaves that lend a tropical feel. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear summer to early autumn. Cultivars offer yellow and maroon shades, but the species remains the showiest. Thomas Jefferson grew it at Monticello.

Culture

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: All but soggy soils.
• Propagation: From seed in soil-based potting mix, full light.

Problems

White rust, brown rust, leaf spots, root rot, aster yellows, viruses, aphids.

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