Design with ‘Fireworks’
‘Fireworks’
In addition to ‘Sugared Plum’ that we discussed last week we have another unique gomphrena: ‘Fireworks’. We’ve mentioned this intriguing plant in the past but since today is Independence Day it seems only appropriate to talk a little more about it.
Hot magenta flowers with golden yellow tips
Now, ‘Fireworks’ has a basic resemblance to the typical bachelor’s button or globe amaranth but it’s got a character all its own. Take a look at these hot magenta flowers with golden yellow tips—quite a striking departure from the shorter varieties, including ‘Sugared Plum’, that have cute little gumdrop blooms.
Day-Glo pink bubbles floating above the border
You’ll notice that these pink pom poms are a bit more open and sit up on top of tall stems—they reach between 3 and 4 feet high. For this reason, we often use ‘Fireworks’ in landscape beds—for the obvious vertical interest and because it tends to grow more densely there. Grouping plants together in a stand makes the most of the vibrant magenta; it creates an airy effect, as if some Day-Glo pink bubbles are floating above the border.
Tolerates poor soil
‘Fireworks’ is one of our summer tough-guy plants that loves the heat and tolerates both drought and poor, dry soil. It’s one of our go-to design tools for adding vivid color to hot, sunny parking lot islands and driveway edging. We find that this variety lasts right through to autumn and blends easily with other summer and autumn selections.
Plant toward the back of a design
Since it’s rather tall, place ‘Fireworks’ toward the back of a display. Add some ‘Tiger Eye™ Gold’ rudbeckia to pick up the yellow, and/or ‘Victoria Blue’ salvia for contrast. ‘Wasabi’ or ‘Electric Lime’ coleus is effective as an accent—the chartreuse makes the hot pink flowers pop. Mix in purple fountain grass for a bit of feathery texture and additional foliage interest.
Go ahead and use ‘Fireworks’ pennisetum if you have some. Ok, that might be a little over the top as far as a ‘Fireworks’ display, but hey, it’s a free country—and we’re celebrating that very fact today.
Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ comes in the 8-inch pot.
