Celosia argentea (Spicata Group) Asian Garden (Silver Cockscomb)

A pollinator-magnet, Celosia argentea 'Asian Garden' (Silver Cockscomb) is an upright tender annual or short-lived perennial, noted for its good branching, almost bushy growth habit and early-to-bloom flower spikes. Particularly attractive, the plume-like inflorescences are purplish-pink fading to pale pink, giving an interesting two-tone effect. Blooming over a reasonably long season, from late spring until frost, the ravishing blossoms rise on sturdy stems above the fresh green foliage. They make wonderful fresh cut flowers and are terrific in dried arrangements. An interesting beauty for the sunny border.

• 2017 All America Selections Award
• Grow up to 30-40 in. tall (75-100 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm)
• Performs best in full sun in moist, but well-drained soils. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Heat and drought tolerant once established.
• A great choice for beds and borders, containers, and cottage gardens.
• While Celosia is mostly grown for its flowers, Celosia is edible. Leaves, tender stems, and young flower spikes can be eaten boiled, or cooked in sauce or stew with other ingredients. The leaves are a nutritious addition to the vegetable garden. They contain high levels of beta-carotene and folic acid.
• Low maintenance, add this charming annual plant to the landscape and you will be rewarded with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, beneficial insects, and songbirds.
• In warm winter climates, such as USDA hardiness zones 9-11, Cockscomb can also be grown as a perennial.
• Propagate by seed. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Susceptible to root rot. Crowding, rain, and high humidity will cause flowers to rot. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
• Celosia argentea is native to Tropical Africa.