Common Name: Type: Family: Zone: Height: Spread: Bloom Time: Bloom : Sun: Water: Maintenance: Suggested Use: Flower: Tolerate: |
celosia, feather Herbaceous perennial Amaranthaceae 10 to 11 0.50 to 3.00 feet 0.50 to 2.00 feet June to frost Orange, red, purple, Full sun Medium Low Annual Showy Drought, Dry Soil |
Culture Celosia is a tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. It is easily grown in humusy, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and dry soils. Thrives in hot and humid St. Louis summers. Seed may be sown directly in the garden after last spring frost date. For earlier bloom, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. Taller cultivars should be planted in locations sheltered from strong winds. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom. Noteworthy Characteristics Celosia argentea var. cristata is currently divided into four different groups: (1) Plumosa Group, (2) Cristata Group, (3) Childsii Group and (4) Spicata Group. Plumosa Group plants (commonly called feather celosia, plumed celosia or feathered amaranth) are old garden favorites that feature narrow-pyramidal, plume-like flower heads (4-10” long) composed of tiny, densely-packed, vividly-colored flowers. Flower colors include bright shades of orange, red, purple, yellow and cream. Flowers bloom throughout summer into fall (sometimes to frost) on erect stems clad with spear-shaped green to red-purple leaves. The flower heads sometimes project an artificial, almost plastic-like appearance that, to some gardeners, may border on the gaudy. Plumosa Group cultivars range in size from dwarf to tall (8-36”). Selections include Kimono Series (to 8”) and Century Series (to 2’) plus individual cultivars of merit such as ‘Apricot Brandy’ (pale orange flowers to 20” with green-purple leaves), ‘Forest Fire’ (scarlet flowers to 24” with maroon leaves), and ‘New Look‘ (red flowers to 14” with purple-bronze leaves). Genus name comes from the Greek word keleos meaning burning for the colorful flowers. Specific epithet means having tassel-like tips or crested. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to root rot, particularly in poorly-drained soils. Fungal leaf spot diseases may also occur. Taller cultivars require staking. Garden Uses Mass or group in beds, borders or cutting gardens. Edging. Good fresh cut or dried flower. Containers. |
Information on this page is generally from Missouri Botanical Gardens, Dave’s Garden, All things Plants or Texas Superstar |
Information on this page is from Missouri Botanical Gardens, Dave’s Garden, All things Plants or Texas Superstar Photo: [Enter user initials/name] / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
This page last updated or reviewed 210704