Plant of the Week---Celosia

Celosias in Penn States' annual flower trials in Landisville, PA

 As summer transitions to fall, Celosias takes the stage as annuals that thrive in hot August temperatures and sustain beautifully unique blooms through October. 

A plume type celosia introduced at Cultivate, our industry's trade show

Celosia plumosa has feathery flowers atop robust leaves and stems. Many of them sport fall colors, like yellow and orange, but also have delightful red, purple and pink flowers. 

Cockscomb in the conservatory at Longwood Gardens

Celosia argentea var. cristata is know as cockscomb because the flower looks like the comb that tops a rooster.  The wavy crest is very distinctive and admired by gardeners for the shape, color and long-blooming qualities. We've had customers ask for the flower that looks like a brain...I see that. 

Celosia Intenz grows great in large pots. Consider pairing them with mums for fall. 

A close-up view of Intenz

Celosia spicata has bold color spikes that bloom freely summer through fall. The Intenz varieties are low maintenance, attractive plants for blooming spring, summer and fall. Like the other varieties of celosia, Intenz is attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. 

Celosia Kelos Candela Pink

One of my favorite celosias is this newer introduction, Celosia Kelos Candela. Their neon pink flowers bloom atop burgundy and green foliage. The blossoms can be as long as 15 inches! I'm not the only one that loves it; Candela won the prestigious  All-America Selections Award in 2021. Look through the AAS website as many celosias have performed in gardens across the country well enough to be chosen for an award. 

Celosias do well in pots or in the garden. Heights vary by variety; some grow to just 6 inches, others tower to 3 feet. All do well in full sun. Celosia flowers dry extremely well and hold their color as cut flowers in vases or dried in arrangements. This time of year you may see them with dahlias, sunflowers, grasses and mums in floral displays at the farmers markets in our region. 

Mixed pot with ornamental peppers, creeping Jenny and ornamental cabbage

Take a peek at the video below to see butterflies enjoying the celosia blooms.