Autumn isn't just for pumpkins and mums. While trees and shrubs begin showing off their fall foliage and begin to bloom, you can also add a little pop to your garden by planting a few fall-blooming celosias that will infuse stunning color up until the first frost. This super tough, drought-resistant annual is adored for its unusual style and texture. It comes in an array of vibrant colors including red, yellow, cream, orange, rose, deep magenta and pink. They're perfect for swapping out tired plants in summer containers, or integrating into beds and borders for seasonal interest, or for adding fall curb appeal to your front yard or porch. Here are a few of our favorites:
Celosia Intenz - We just love the purple pleasing color of Celosia Intenz! This annual features showy, purple plumes that bloom throughout the summer and transition right into fall offering amazing color. This versatile plant does well both indoors and out. It looks great on a patio table, in mixed baskets, clustered in the landscape or in a large pot as a filler plant. These also make a great cut flower for indoor arrangements. Celosia Intenz will grow to about 14 inches tall at maturity with a spread of 12 inches. It is considered to be drought-tolerant and prefers a sunny spot. And did we mention that butterflies love it too!
Celosia Dragon’s Breath - Celosia Dragon’s Breath is a vigorous grower that puts on an incredible show of color for mid-late summer into early fall. Featuring upright, jumbo-sized, red-hot plumes accented by rich, maroon foliage that is almost as bright as its blooms. This celosia is well suited for containers and looks stunning in landscape beds. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Dragon’s Breath grows to about 24 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Kelos Fire Celosia - Another eye-catching celosia featuring compact foliage combined with vibrant purple color! Electrifying plumes hold their color through the heat of summer and continue into fall. Great annual color for sunny beds and borders and in containers as a showy accent. Quickly reaches 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 15 inches wide. Use indoors as a fresh cut or dried flower. This long blooming annual loves most soil and full sun locations.
To learn how to add even more color to your fall garden, check out our blog "Trees for Beautiful Fall Color".