From Wikipedia - Celosia cristata [Celosia in Greek means burning] is a member of the genus Celosia, and is commonly known as cockscomb, since the flower looks like the head on a rooster (cock). It is called Chi Kuan in China. The plants are hardy and resistant to most diseases, and grow equally well indoors or out, though the perfect place is one with no shade and a well drained soil, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. The plant is used frequently as an ornamental plant indoors. Their leaves and flowers can be used as vegetables. They are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America.
So are the flowers the little thingies on the sides?
They almost look like something that should be attached to a coral reef.
All was not strangeness on this particular visit. I quite liked this hibiscus.
So I brought it home. Just one more plant to add to the fall migration into the house. The pink/orange color combination proved irresistible.
Look, more Salvia 'Amistad'. I'll always associate this with last year's fling as it was at Sunset headquarters where I first saw this growing. Mine didn't make it through the winter but It was lovely while it lasted.
O.K. raise you hand if you DON'T have Digiplexis. Anyone, anyone?
Sunset is growing them now as well. these were large (three stalks per pot) specimens. Hmm, 'Amistad' looks delightful just behind it. Perhaps they'd make a nice pairing.
I raise my hand!!!! but I suppose that if they sold it here I would have one .
ReplyDeleteJust about every place that sells plants has these this year. They've flooded the market with them.
Delete*puts hand up*
ReplyDeleteGood decision on the hibiscus :)
Glad you like the hibiscus. I hope I can keep it alive this winter.
DeleteA mix of nice hot coloured blooms there! And I never knew until now that cockscomb blooms are edible.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know they were edible either. The things we can learn on Wikipedia...
DeleteI didn't know cockscomb was edible either. But I think I did read somewhere that they are actually a fasciated bloom, that has somehow been permanently bred into the plant. They're definitely weird. I love going plant shopping at Fred Meyer. The Digiplexis does look good with the Amistad Salvia. I've been tempted by tropical Hibiscus too this year, but so far I have resisted. I love the colors on yours.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely hibiscus and it was relatively inexpensive so if I kill it this winter I won't feel too awful.
DeleteI raise my had. I do not have a Digiplexis. I understand they are considered to be annuals here. I do like shopping for plants at Fred Meyer. They really do have a large selection.
ReplyDeleteLove the Celsoia, but I don't have enough heat here for most annuals.
Good for you for resisting the lure of Digiplexis! The tag says zone 8 but I've also heard that they aren't hardy here.
DeleteGee I thought I was the only one without a Digiplexis! Looks like I'm in good company. I do love those Celosia cristatas and have been hunting for them every week when I grocery shop at "my" Fred Meyer. So far not a single one in sight...
ReplyDeleteThe difference in the stock at different Fred Meyer stores is fascinating to me. There are three of them not too far from me and each of them has different stuff.
DeleteIn my many visits to the Pacific North West from the UK, I have noticed that Fred Meyer really does try harder than most to have an interesting selection of plants. Salvia Amistad seems reasonably hardy here in the South East of the UK (sorry don't know the USDA equivalent zone) and is such a fantastic colour, every garden should have one if not many.
ReplyDeleteAs for Digiplexis (only known as Digitalis Illumination here, even by the company that introduced them, Thompson & Morgan, despite being a Digitalis Isoplexis hybrid), I do not have any, The colours are dreadful to my eyes, until they introduce more muted (not pastel) and pale tones, they will not be found in my patch. Also despite being sold here as "perennial", it seems that that is hopeful at best.
That Hibiscus is most definitely BAM!!!!!
Thanks for finding my blog and commenting! I'm still fond of good old Digitalis purpurea.
DeleteThe Hibiscus is a bit loud but I'm fond of bright colors in summer.
I don't have a Digiplexis!
ReplyDeleteI think Fred Mayer has a good plant purchasing manager. In June, I always find interesting perennials in their stores.
I resisted Digiplexis as long as I could but finally gave in and got some at a low price. Fred Meyer often puts things on sale which makes me happy!
DeleteThe Celosia would be appropriate as a head dress for a carnival costume in Brazil. The theme of this post is definitely HOT colors, best of which is that Hibiscus. OMG.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think of the hot colors but you're correct, there are sure a lot of them in this post.
DeleteDigiplexis? I don't think we do that on the East Coast. I've never seen one.
ReplyDeleteCelosias are showy things for annual beds. They are not fond of nematodes in my soil, either. Some years back I tried the thinner ones called 'Princess Feathers' and they just silently stole away.
I really enjoy your blog for the things that are uncommon here and an occasional look at something I had not thought of in a long time..
It's nice to know that there's somewhere on the planet that isn't bursting at the seams with Digiplexis!
DeleteThanks Jean, I feel the same way about your blog and love looking at the heat lovers that you can grow that just pout here.
I've never quite come to terms with those Celosia either. I gained great respect for the Digiplexis when they sailed through our May heatwaves but summer will be the penultimate test.
ReplyDeleteI remember your post about the Digiplexis sailing through your heatwaves. If they were reliably hardy this far north, I'd like them even more!
DeleteFascinating Celosia. I find them a little weird, all right. I love that fabulous Hibiscus and I WANT one. I'll even give up my digiplexus for it...
ReplyDeleteMaybe your Fred Meyer will get some of those hibiscus. I'd hate to see you give up your Digiplexis as they look very nice together.
DeleteAnother non-Digiplexis owner. The Hibiscus is lovely, I love that flower form. I try to be content with my H. rosa-sinensis, which is trouble-free and getting very large. I also like to get plants from Fred Meyer, they had great prices on Hellebores last spring and Echinacea on clearance last fall. I like to get bedding plants there too.
ReplyDeleteAnd the bonus is that you can tell your significant other that it was a grocery expense. Not that I've ever done anything like that...
DeleteMy hands up as well, no Digiplexis, I'm not that crazy about Hibiscus , not sure why ? Probably those dead blooms that hang on. I do love a Freddy plant shop though .
ReplyDeleteThose dead flowers are unattractive but the flower shape and color scream tropical to me. I blame it on the old Hawaiian Punch label.
DeleteI see Peter you can't go away without the purchase, as me! Love Digiplexis, I raise my hand, I have no it and would like to buy.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week!
Alas Digiplexis is an annual in the north but it is lovely. It's funny how we love to collect plants.
DeleteNo Digiplexis here, but perhaps that is because I am not of the PNW. As to the Celosia, for myself I don't like it. I mean, a common name is brain flower. Sounds disgusting. Not too fond of the feather ones either.
ReplyDeleteCelosia is an oddball. I've never grown it but was tempted last year by one with many small lavender feathers that looked a little less like something from a science fiction movie.
DeleteNope, no Digiplexus here and it showed up in only one of the tour gardens. How about that? I think Alison's use of it with her hot colored lily was the best. I can't seem to go to Freddie's for a pint of whipping cream without coming home with a flat of plants. R. has threatened to hide the car keys.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the celosia. I may have to grow some next year to see what it tastes like. No Digiplexis in my garden!
ReplyDeleteActually the cockscomb are not hardy. They won't survive a frost but they're kinda cool. Not really my thing though. I purchased a purple 'Amisted' type Salvia the other day from Home Depot. I'm hoping and praying it doesn't have neonictonoides or whatever in it. And I'm hoping that this time it will winter over. My Digiplexis (also from the orange box) is ready to be cut back. It's a decent enough plant. The Fred Meyer here in Corvallis has an abysmal plant selection. I really need to talk to the manager about that. :)
ReplyDelete