Being a Plantaholic means you "suffer" from a constant thirst for plants, plants, and more plants.  Something about them feeds a satisfaction in you for beauty or a beautiful experience.  Especially when you happen upon something for the first time and it's so brand spankin' new you can't find it documented anywhere.  Today's post is about one such plant.  Have you ever heard of the genus Gomphrena otherwise known as Globe Amaranth?  No?  Yes?  Well, here's a new one for you that I believe is just beginning to make itself known.  Let me introduce you to Gomphrena 'Pink Zazzle'.  Most Globe amaranth produce tightly rounded, clover-like, papery flower heads.  Gomphrena 'Pink Zazzle' is a fuzzier, funkier (in a good way), cultivar that gives us gonzo flower heads.  Very different.  Very cool.

The flower heads are actually composed of a series of petal-like bracts that extend then fork to reveal delicate golden tipped flowers. These flower heads take the old Gomphrena form and turn it into something new, exciting, and super glam with hot tones of reddish-purple color!  But wait, there's more!  What about that fuzz!  The plush blanket of fuzz on the foliage and stems is an awesome attribute.  The feel is funky, fresh, and dare I say it...deeply downy.  Nothing like the tactile experience to really drive a Plantaholic wild!

Gomphrena 'Pink Zazzle' is an annual that can grow to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide with a wide branching habit.  If it's anything like other Gomphrena, it would like to grow in full sun/part shade, fertile, well-draining soil, and regular moisture. Gomphrena are also pretty heat tolerant as well as tolerant of drought. For those of you that like cut flowers, this one is tops.  Not only fresh but also dried.  So keep your eyes peeled and check out Gomphrena 'Pink Zazzle'.  Let it work its razzle dazzle on you.