Plantidote of the Day 2011-09-20

Celosia

Cockscomb or Chinese woolflower

There are two kinds of celosia -- the plume version, shown above, and the "cockscomb" style, below. Both are available in spectacular colors that could have been taken straight off a Peter Max poster (look him up, you young 'uns).

Celosia like full sun and long, hot summers, but they can be grown in most any zone. Since they're annuals, they'll die out no matter how mild winter may be. The "flowers" on both versions can be cut and dried for colorful fall or winter arrangements.

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