Celosia argentea (Spicata Group) Flamingo Feather (Silver Cockscomb)

A pollinator-magnet, Celosia argentea (Spicata Group) 'Flamingo Feather' (Silver Cockscomb) is an upright tender annual or short-lived perennial, noted for its plume-like rose-pink inflorescences fading to silver, 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.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grow up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 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.