Amaranth is Fall’s “It” Flower, and I’m Here For It

I follow a lot of florists on Instagram—I think scrolling through photos of pretty flower arrangements is my own version of ASMR. I could do this for hours, which is when you start noticing trends emerging, and right now, it’s safe to say amaranth is having a major moment. It’s laying low, spilling over vases and planters. But it’s also kind of showing off with its fun fuzzy fronds. It comes in a variety of shades, from light peachy pink to orange, deep crimson to bright yellow-green. And sometimes it’s called amaranthus, depending on who you’re talking to or where you’re seeing it.

Because it’s so striking—and still blooming into fall and available dried, amaranth is the perfect flower to decorate your home with for the holidays. Need some proof? Or just want to scroll through a couple pretty pictures of flowers? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. 

This almost ombré arrangement from Sister Honey Floral Co. popped up in my feed, and it pretty much stopped me in my tracks. The fox glove, yarrow, and zinnias are beautiful, sure. But it’s impossible to ignore those amaranthus stems, right? They’re just so dramatic without feeling try-hard. Why not try a few stems in your holiday table centerpiece? Since amaranth is so low lying, you don’t have to worry about these guys interfering with conversation across the table.

I’ve also started seeing amaranth used by major home brands that are up on their floral game, which further confirms my suspicion that amaranth is fall’s “it” flower. First, Swedish lifestyle brand Lexington Company, held a dinner party. And in lieu of a traditional centerpiece, what did they hang above a table dressed in their pretty rustic linens? Amaranth in shades of red and green. The take home here? Amaranth is perfect for a fancy-ish fall backyard dinner party, but you could also tuck a few into an overhead lighting fixture for an indoor gathering too.

West Elm has partnered with StreetEasy on an all things holiday showhouse here in New York City, and naturally, cut flowers—and Christmas trees—are all over the place, including the above floral arrangement, which appears to have some variety of amaranth in it. Your entry is a perfect place to put amaranth—guests will definitely take notice of any arrangement that has these stems in it.

Your local florist should carry or be able to order amaranth, and you might be able to find it at the farmer’s market. But if not, Terrain is selling fresh-cut amaranth stems by the bunches that you can have shipped to your door. Hopefully, it’s only a matter of time until will be seeing these at Trader Joe’s. If you want to go with a full amaranth bouquet though, it can definitely be done. I can picture this guy right on a coffee table (it’s a much more subtle, modern nod to holiday red than poinsettias).

I also noticed faux amaranth is a part of Target’s new Opalhouse collection, so this flower trend is officially ready for mass takeover. It’s a little tough to replicate amaranth’s natural floppiness, but if you’re into fake flowers for longevity reasons, you could add a few of these stems to whatever you’re pulling together for the holidays. Personally, I can see using a cluster of red amaranth, real or fake, instead of a bow on a wreath. It’s very Joanna Gaines, no? We’ll have to wait and see.

One thing’s for sure, amaranth(us) is most certainly becoming a fast favorite flower for fall. It just may be the next bunny tail or pampas grass—you heard it here first.

What’s your favorite flower or plant for fall into the holidays? Tell us in the comments!