Gray Gomphrena Plant Care

Gray Gomphrena (Gomphrena canescens) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Gomphrena genus. Gray Gomphrena is native to many parts of northern Australia. Gray Gomphrena is also known as Hoary Gomphrena.

Gray Gomphrena displays a compact, bushy habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Gray Gomphrena produces small, globe-shaped bracts in various colors like pink, purple, white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gray Gomphrena every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Gray Gomphrena thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Gomphrena canescens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Gray Gomphrena prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Gray Gomphrena to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gray Gomphrena every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gray Gomphrena is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Gray Gomphrena can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Gray Gomphrena while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Gray Gomphrena is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gray Gomphrena can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to globe amaranth plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Gray Gomphrena is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Gray Gomphrena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Gray Gomphrena is native to many parts of northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Gray Gomphrena as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.