Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Dragon's Breath'
cockscomb 'Dragon's breath'
Upright, bushy perennial plant to 60cm tall, grown as an annual, with bright-red flowers produced in open, feathery pyramidal flowerheads to 25cm long, above large dark-red leaves
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Red | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Celosia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple or lobed, alternate leaves and tiny, brightly coloured flowers in large, plume-like inflorescences. Many garden selections are closely related to C. argentea
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Annual that can be grown outside once frosts have passed. Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with good ventilation. Outdoors, plant in moist but well-drained fertile soil in full sun in a sheltered position. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early or late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and aphids under glass
Diseases
Foot and root rot and fungal leaf spot diseases may occur
Get involved
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