Celosia
Add a touch of whimsy and drama to your garden with Celosia! Also known as cockscomb, these heat and drought-tolerant annuals boast striking, feathery plumes or brain-like crests in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and cream. Ideal for borders or containers, Celosia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Enjoy a vivid burst of color throughout summer and enhance blooming by deadheading spent flowers. Celosia’s unique blooms not only add pizzazz to your landscape but also retain their beauty indoors, making them ideal for everlasting arrangements.
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Species: spp.
Plant Height: 12-36 in.
Spread: 12-24 in.
Evergreen: No
Plant Form: Upright
Summer Foliage Color: Varied
Minimum Sunlight: Full Sun
Maximum Sunlight: Full Sun
Celosia mesmerizes with its unique and eye-catching blooms unlike any other flower. From feather plumes resembling flames to fascinating, brain-like crests, these blooms come in a vivid array of colors. Showcasing fiery reds, oranges, sunny yellows, soft pinks, and creamy whites, to add drama and whimsy to every garden. Whether in borders or containers, Celosia’s bold and unique blooms are sure to steal the spotlight.
Celosia isn’t just eye-catching, it’s a landscaping powerhouse! These heat and drought-tolerant annuals thrive in full sun, ideal for summer gardens. Their vivid, long-lasting blooms in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows bring bursts of color that complement late-blooming perennials. With options from compact edging plants to taller focal points, Celosia offers versatility for borders, beds, or containers.
Celosia will grow up to 36 inches in height with a 12 inch spread. The flowers will bloom up to 36 inches. Celosia, once established, is low maintenance and only requires occasional watering. With full sun, Celosia will thrive in Texas weather. This plant works best with rich, well-drained soil with moderate water.
How to Care for Celosia
A Celosia needs full sun. Place it where it gets 6–8 hours of direct light each day. Strong light helps the plant grow upright and produce bright plumes.
Celosia grows best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Use a mix that stays slightly moist but never soggy. A loose garden soil with compost works well. Good drainage helps prevent root rot.
Water a Celosia when the top inch of soil feels dry. Give it deep water but avoid constant moisture. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering weakens the plant and leads to disease.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for steady growth. A 10-10-10 or similar mix supports foliage and flower production. Apply lightly at planting and again mid-season if needed.
Prune a Celosia by removing spent blooms. Pinch off faded plumes to encourage fresh flowers. Cut back damaged stems to keep the plant tidy. Light, regular pruning helps the plant bloom longer.
Celosia can face aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Root rot and fungal leaf spots appear in wet conditions. Keep good airflow, avoid overwatering, and inspect leaves often to catch issues early.
No, Celosia is not frost-tolerant. Cold temperatures damage the plant quickly. Plant it after the last frost and protect it from any sudden cold snaps.