Gardening with Wilson

Most of us are familiar with the Chinese Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) which is a very common leafy vegetable that is eaten in this part of the world. There are also grain Amaranthus species, such as A. caudatus (quinoa) and A. hypochondriacus that are valued for the seeds that they produce.

Just last week, I received an email (written by Keneric Ng, Plant Information Unit, HortPark) from our local National Parks Board (NParks) that another type of Amaranthus, which is the ornamental version of A. tricolor, was spotted growing wild in the most unexpected place in Singapore. A handful of plants can be seen growing in the soil beds along the roadside in Orchard area! They can be viewed between lamp posts 35 and 37, as well as, along the stretch of road at the turn from Orchard Road into Scotts Road.

Picture courtesy of NParks

Many people would have wondered how on earth these plants came to grow in this peculiar location in Singapore. NParks obviously did not plant them there deliberately. It was suspected that those ornamental amaranthus plants probably rose from seeds that were left behind by plants that were used to adorn Orchard Road during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting that was held two years ago. The seeds probably germinated because more light became available after most streetscape plants were removed during a recent major revamp.

The eye-catching, colourful part of the ornamental amaranthus is, in fact, its leaves. When young, the plant is all green and resembles very much like the common, edible Chinese Spinach. As it grows and matures, the new leaves of the ornamental amaranthus take on new exciting colours, most commonly being red and yellow. The two contrasting colours often occur as random splashes on the leaves.

Picture courtesy of NParks

To some people, the coloured leaves may make the plant look as if it is on fire. The pointed ends of the leaves coupled with the very appropriate colour combination, make them look like the wagging tongues of flames. The plant also looks somewhat like a poinsettia and that has earned the ornamental amaranthus a common name ’summer poinsettia’. Other common names include the Joseph’s coat and fountain plant.

Interestingly, the ornamental amaranthus plant produces very inconspicuous flowers that appear in turfs between the axils of its leaves. Each flower is really tiny and is only about 1 mm across at most. As such, they can easily be missed!

Picture courtesy of NParks

If you are interested in growing this plant in your home garden, the seeds of the ornamental amaranthus can be conveniently bought from local supermarkets like NTUC Fairprice or Cold Storage and plant nurseries, including HortMart at HortPark (33, Hyderabad Road). 

The plant is pretty easy to grow and very fast-growing. The ornamental amaranthus is said to tolerate poor soils which is essential for it to produce vibrant foliage colours. Direct sunshine and adequate moisture at the roots are also important cultivation factors too.