Gomphrena canescens ( Pink Billy Buttons ) is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to northern Australia. Little known Pink Billy Buttons has intensely pink globe flowers that can light up the landscape during winter. They are easy to grow, like full sun and usually flower from seed in around three months. Perennials in their native tropical climates and annuals in colder regions. Flower buds are added to teas and can be used as garnishes.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Batchelor Buttons. Not related to Billy Buttons which is a yellow flower and is found in colder, dryer climates. Pink Billy Buttons are related to the Amaranthus such as Joseph’s Coat and Red Cathedral.
Although a tropical plant, specimens have been found as far south as the Botanical Gardens in Cranbourne, Victoria.
Growth
Gomphrena canescens is a native annual or perennial that reaches heights of up to 90 cm (3 feet). Native to regions of high rainfall, Pink Billy Buttons need plenty of regular watering and good soil drainage. Often found flowering in large clusters in disturbed areas and rocky slopes.
Seeds are fairly easy to germinate either in pots or directly into the ground. With regular moist soil, young seedlings are quick to grow.
Globe blooms of white, pink and sometimes purple take roughly three months from seed. In the wild, they often flower in fields from late Summer to early Spring providing beautiful colour during the dry winters.
FAMILY:
Amaranthaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
3°C to 38°C / 37 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist and well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 90 cm (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 cm (4 inches)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees.
MATURITY:
10-12 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
65-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 100
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 12-18 months
FACTS ABOUT GOMPHRENA CANESCENS (Pink Billy Buttons)
This genus comprises of around 130 flowering plants.
Unlike Billy Buttons, the Pink Billy Buttons is actually native to tropical regions of Australia.
Like the yellow coloured Billy Buttons, this variety is used by florists and can bloom white, pink and even purple.
