About
This compact, bushy variety of Celosia argentea var. cristata typically functions as an annual. It generates feathery red flower plumes from summer through early fall.
About the genus
Celosia can be classified as annuals, perennials, or shrubs. They feature either simple or lobed leaves that are arranged alternately. The small flowers, which are vividly colored, are grouped in large, plume-like clusters. Numerous cultivated varieties are closely associated with C. argentea.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory, or outside once all risk of frosts have passed. Indoors, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with good ventilation. Outdoors, plant in fertile soil in full sun in a sheltered position. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown at 18ºC (64ºF) from early to late spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to foot and root rot, and fungal leaf spot diseases