Celosia

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At-A-Glance Information

Commonly referred to as Cockscomb, Mfungu or Chinese Woolflower, these flowering annuals and mild-climate perennials need full sun and moderate water. The genus includes two types: Plume Cockscomb and Crested Cockscomb. The first have plume-like flower clusters, and the latter have fan-shaped flower clusters. Cut blooms (which come in many different colors) can be used in fresh bouquets or for dried arrangements. These are tropical-looking plants and can add interest and brilliant color to your garden, typically reaching between 1 and 3 feet tall.

Celosia Species and Varietals

These flowering plants grow best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2, but are best in zones 8-14, 18, 19, H1 and H2. As mentioned above, there are two distinct groups of Celosia, further described below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Celosia argentea (Celosia plumosa) (Plumed Cockscomb, Silver Cock's Comb, Prince of Wales Feathers)
This herbaceous tropical species is native to India and Nepal, and is considered a weed in both India and China. Flowers can be red, purple, pink, yellow, or cream. Flowers last for about 8 weeks before fading, and more blooms can be encouraged to pop through deadheading. Plants will typically reach between 2.5 and 3 feet tall, though smaller varieties are available that reach just 1 foot at maturity. There are many cultivars and varieties of this species, including 'Flamingo Feathers', 'Smart Look Red', 'Fresh Look Orange', 'Glow Red', and 'Century Rose'.

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Crested Cockscomb, Chinese Cockscomb)
This group of Celosia argentea has velvety flower clusters that are often odd-shaped and contorted. Flowers come in yellow, orange, purple, and red. Taller varieties reach 3 feet tall and half as wide, and dwarf or compact varieties get 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide. These plants are native to India.

Celosia floribunda (Many-Flower Cockscomb)
This species is endemic to Baja California Sur in Mexico, and forms a shrub or small tree with grey-green branches. Flowers are white to cream-colored and bloom in large infloresences in spring and summertime in the plant's native range.

Celosia nitida (Celosia texana) (West Indian Cockscomb)
This perennial is native to Central America, South America, and the states of Texas and Florida in the United States, and is considered to be an endangered species in some areas of its natural range. Plants reach about 6 feet tall when mature, and flowers bloom in fall and wintertime.

Celosia palmeri (Palmer's Cockscomb)
This species is native to Texas and northwestern Mexico, and is named for British botanist Edward Palmer. These plants reach between 2 and 3.5 feet tall, and flowers are produced from summer through wintertime in their native range. Blooms are magenta, lightening in color towards the bottoms of inflorescences.

Caring for celosia

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Celosia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 229 - 230, Celosia
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