Celosia

Celosias are low maintenance annuals available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are easy to care for and extremely bright, making them great for gardeners who want to get attention. The Latin name, in fact, comes from the Greek word Keleos, meaning burned. It refers to the scorching hot colour intensity of the flowers. They were at the height of their popularity in the 1940’s, followed by a brief but intense resurgence again in the late seventies and early eighties. Celosias are great in beds or containers, they are very easy from seed. They grow quickly and flower for months. They also love heat and make excellent cutflowers.

The crested celosia (Celosia argentea var. cristata) is also called the cockscomb celosia. These are wonderful plants with extremely brilliant flowers of red, magenta, scarlet, yellow or rose. The blooms are curled and crisped like a rooster’s comb and to many people they resemble brain coral. They are not the plant to choose if you are going for subtlety. The ‘Amigo’ series is particularly good, and there is also an old cultivar called ‘Fire Chief’ with brilliant, sizzling red flowers.

Wheat celosia (Celosia argentea var. spicata) has smaller plumed flowers that are held not unlike heads of grain, and hence the name. The ‘Flamingo’ series (available in pale pink or purple) is a good choice and adds an interesting element to beds and containers.

Plumed celosia (Celosia plumosa) is the most popular and is easy, heat loving, and quick to germinate and grow. As brilliantly coloured as the crested celosias but with a flowering shape more like flames or exotic feathers, these are flowers that deserve a comeback. The ‘Castle’ series is extremely compact and flowers profusely. Blooms may be scarlet, orange, yellow, gold, or pink. ‘Apricot Brandy’ won the AAS award in 1981 and has incredible, tangerine orange plumes over a long season on compact, shapely plants. The ‘Fresh Look’ series grows only 12” tall and has intensely coloured red or golden flowers. It is ideal for containers.

Although celosias are able to handle intense heat, they come from regions that also have high humidity and abundant rainfall. Despite the fact that they are often promoted as being drought resistant, these plants will perform infinitely better if they are not wanting for water. They very quick to wilt if they become too dry.