Melinda Myers

Celosia

Botanical Name

Celosia argentea var. cristata, Celosia argentea var. plumosa, Celosia argentea var. spicata

Hardiness

Zones 10 to 11, grown as annual elsewhere

Height

6 to 36 inches

Width

8 to 20 inches

Flowers

Summer to frost: red, yellow, gold, orange, pink, purple; plume type (plumosa), crested type (cristata), wheat type (spicata)

Light

Full sun

Soil

Well drained to dry

Planting & Care

• Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart for smaller varieties and 8 to 20 inches apart for larger varieties
• Heat and drought tolerant

Problems

Stem rot and leaf spot in poorly drained soils, mites

Varieties

• Apricot Brandy - 1981 AAS winner
• Castle Series - 14", weather tolerance, 1990 AAS winner
• Celosia argentea plumosa 'Fresh Look Red' - 12-18", red plumes, AAS Winner
• Celosia argentea plumosa Fresh Look Yellow - AAS Winner, yellow plumes, 12-18"
• Flamingo Series - wheat type, tall
• Pink Candle - wheat type, short
• Asian Garden - bright pink wheat type flowers on sturdy stems with good branching, AAS Winner