Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) (Amaranthus caudatus) is an annual flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Andes (Peru, Bolivia and northwest Argentina). It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (cooked or popped), young leaves (cooked) |
| Native to | Andes (Peru, Bolivia and northwest Argentina) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Seeds and young leaves are eaten; leaves hold oxalates and nitrates, so cook them and avoid large raw quantities.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha)
- How far apart should I plant Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks.
- Is Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Seeds and young leaves are eaten; leaves hold oxalates and nitrates, so cook them and avoid large raw quantities.
- What grows well with Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Grown as an ornamental annual in Europe and North America and as the seed crop kiwicha in the Andes. Self-seeds readily.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa