Celosia "Cramer's Amazon"
(Celosia argentia)
Perilla (right) growing alongside Rudbeckia
Hardy to Zone 10
Colors - Flowers are pink, magenta and violet/lavender with burgundy leaves
Foliage - Long, narrow, 3-6" inches
Size - 6-8 feet tall
Exposure - Full sun
Culture - Plant seeds or starter plants immediately after danger of frost in average, well-drained soil. It takes 120 days for blooms so it is good to get it in the ground early. Pinch young plants to encourage branching.
Comments - The word Celosia comes from the Greek keleos, which means “burnt” and refers to the fiery colors of this dramatic and versatile annual. Celosias come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. ‘Cramer’s Amazon’ is named after Ralph Cramer who discovered it in Peru.
“Amazon” is an apt description because this is a whopper of a plant that produces masses of blooming spikes that attract hordes of butterflies and hummingbirds. It is advisable to pinch plants when they are 12 inches tall, otherwise you will end up with plants 9 feet tall! Even with pinching, plants will form healthy clumps about 6-7 feet tall.
The deep burgundy leaves, coupled with 3-inch magenta spiky blooms that turn white from the bottom with age, are an exotic sight in the garden. The flowers can be cut and used for both fresh or dried flower arrangements. Or just plant in a spot where you can observe the frenzy of hummingbirds and pollinators who love this plant.
Return to Perennials and Annuals
Colors - Flowers are pink, magenta and violet/lavender with burgundy leaves
Foliage - Long, narrow, 3-6" inches
Size - 6-8 feet tall
Exposure - Full sun
Culture - Plant seeds or starter plants immediately after danger of frost in average, well-drained soil. It takes 120 days for blooms so it is good to get it in the ground early. Pinch young plants to encourage branching.
Comments - The word Celosia comes from the Greek keleos, which means “burnt” and refers to the fiery colors of this dramatic and versatile annual. Celosias come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. ‘Cramer’s Amazon’ is named after Ralph Cramer who discovered it in Peru.
“Amazon” is an apt description because this is a whopper of a plant that produces masses of blooming spikes that attract hordes of butterflies and hummingbirds. It is advisable to pinch plants when they are 12 inches tall, otherwise you will end up with plants 9 feet tall! Even with pinching, plants will form healthy clumps about 6-7 feet tall.
The deep burgundy leaves, coupled with 3-inch magenta spiky blooms that turn white from the bottom with age, are an exotic sight in the garden. The flowers can be cut and used for both fresh or dried flower arrangements. Or just plant in a spot where you can observe the frenzy of hummingbirds and pollinators who love this plant.
Return to Perennials and Annuals