This is the thread for entries to the Name That Bloom Contest for October.

Wow, what an interesting bloom Larry. I haven't a clue as to what it is. Can't wait for some one to come along and tell us what it is.
Melampodium paludosum and Aster novae-angliae make such a lovely combination, so pleasing to the eye. Melampodium is new to me, I will have to remember to try it next spring.

Thank you for another great article.

Loved the article .... Adore that beautiful Hot Pink bloom ... whatever it is! It's not an annual that I recognize but it probably doesn't grow here in Florida. I saw a new entry in the database this morning from bonitin that reminds me of this bloom.Tufted Loostrife (Lysimachia thrysifolia):

Thanks for the compliments, Lynn, Allison, and Lin. Glad you enjoyed the article.

Lin, I can see the resemblance in the Lysimachia blossom. Actually, the mystery plant will grow and bloom in Florida. Stay tuned.

It looks like Gomphrena 'Fireworks'. I don't think they know what the species is yet.

P.S. I absolutely love that Asters and Melampodium photo!

Danita, I think your right.
It sure looks like it.

Good job Danita! That's definitely the mystery plant! Now I have to read up on those beauties if they will grow in Florida!!

I bet they will Lin. They had them at the UGA trial gardens in Athens, GA in 2009 and they were stunning. They scored a 4.43 (with a score of 5 being the highest.) I've also seem them recommended for the Houston area. They are really pretty and so much taller than the regular Gomphrena.

We have a winner! Congratulations, Danita! As you say, this is a stunning plant. I'm sure it will be very popular, once more gardeners become aware of it. One important thing to remember is that this is a tall plant when mature, so be sure to allow enough room. Mine grew to three feet this year, and I've heard from other gardeners that it often gets even taller than that. And I love the bonus that the blossoms and stems are easily dried for incorporation into dried arrangements.

Congratulations Danita!

I love your pic.It really picks up the light and color well.I bought Fireworks for the first time this year and loved it. It tended to flop a little but that was ok..and now I know it can be dried. Anyone know if it comes back from seeds? I have strawberry fields gomphrena that pops up everywhere.
Love your beautiful color combo. And a good reminder to buy melopodiums next summer for me too.

What an unusual lovely plant...hope it is available here some time in the near future.

Yay! That's fun!

Anna, I've read that they will reseed like other Gomphrenas.

Here's the patch I saw at the UGA Trial Gardens in 2009. You can see how much taller it is than the "regular" Gomphrena in the foreground.

Very pretty!!

Thank you Anna, Betsy, Danita, and Lin for your kind comments! It's always fun to try new plants, and this is an exceptional one.