ATRIPLEX RUBY GOLD

These versatile plants are stunning from seedlings and early in the season the young stems can be used in spring bouquets. The eye-catching foliage is acid green with cranberry-red stems and when mature has striking ruby and gold seedheads suitable for bouquets. 5-7’. HHA.

Anytime between March-May, surface sow directly into the prepared ground and cover the seeds with just a sprinkling of soil. Germination can take 2-3 weeks at an ideal temperature of 59-65F (15-18C). When the seedlings emerge, thin down as required to 30cm spacings.

The plants prefer a sunny position sheltered from cold winds and a well drained soil. As the plants grow they may benefit from staking. If necessary the plants can be pruned in the late winter or early spring and given a mulch or feed.

Be aware that the plant readily self-seeds and so you might care to remove the seedheads at the end of the season to reduce volunteer seedlings the following year.