Celosia, with its vibrant plumes and unique textures, is a showstopper in any garden with its unique blooms and low-maintenance nature. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, this member of the amaranth family boasts 45 species, with Celosia argentea being the most commonly cultivated.1
Known for its striking plumes, spikes,or crested flower heads, celosia comes in a dazzling array of colors, from fiery reds to sunny yellows and deep purples. These heat-loving annuals not only add a bold splash of color to gardens but also serve as excellent cut and dried flowers.
Here are 15 celosia varieties that can transform your garden into a kaleidoscope of textures and hues.
1. Dragon’s Breath
Dragon’s Breath is a stunning variety that lives up to its fiery name. This celosia boasts brilliant red plumes atop deep purple-green foliage, creating a dramatic contrast that’s sure to turn heads.
Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for containers or as a border plant.
Care tips:
- Plant in full sun for best color development
- Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
2. Fresh Look Gold
Fresh Look Gold brings a sunny disposition to any garden with its bright yellow plumes. This variety is known for its heat tolerance and long-lasting blooms, making it an excellent choice for summer gardens.
Its sturdy stems rarely need staking, even in windy conditions.
Care tips:
- Provide well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart for optimal air circulation
3. Intenz
Intenz is a striking celosia with deep purple, arrow-shaped blooms that add a touch of sophistication to gardens and containers alike. This compact variety is perfect for small spaces and maintains its vibrant color throughout the growing season.
Care tips:
- Plant in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage
- Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth
4. New Look
New Look is a standout variety with its brilliant red plumes and bronze-tinged foliage. This compact celosia is an All-America Selections winner, praised for its early and long-lasting blooms.
It’s an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to borders or mass plantings.
Care tips:
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- Fertilize sparingly, as excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth
5. Flamingo Feather
Flamingo Feather is a unique celosia variety that features slender, feathery plumes in a soft pink hue. As the blooms mature, they take on a deeper rose color, creating a beautiful ombre effect. This variety adds a delicate touch to flower arrangements and gardens alike.
Care tips:
- Plant in groups for a more dramatic display
- Provide support for taller stems if needed
- Harvest blooms for drying when they’re fully open but before seed formation
6. Twisted
Twisted celosia lives up to its name with uniquely contorted, brain-like blooms in vibrant shades of red, yellow, or orange. This eye-catching variety is sure to be a conversation starter in any garden.
Its sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
Care tips:
- Plant in rich, well-draining soil for best results
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth
- Protect from strong winds to prevent damage to the intricate blooms
7. Pampas Plume
Pampas Plume is a tall, feathery celosia that can reach heights of up to 3 feet. Its large, fluffy plumes come in a range of colors, including pink, red, and yellow. This variety makes a stunning backdrop in flower beds or as a standalone focal point.
Care tips:
- Stake tall plants to prevent toppling in windy conditions
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for full development
- Harvest plumes for dried arrangements when fully mature
8. Cristata
Cristata is the classic cockscomb celosia, featuring large, velvety blooms that resemble a rooster’s comb. Available in a variety of bold colors, this variety adds texture and interest to any garden.
Its unique form makes it a popular choice for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Care tips:
- Provide adequate spacing to prevent fungal diseases
- Water at soil level to avoid wetting the dense blooms
- Harvest blooms when fully developed for longest-lasting cut flowers
9. Ice Cream
Ice Cream celosia is a delightful variety that produces soft, cone-shaped blooms in pastel shades of pink, yellow, and orange. Its compact growth habit and continuous blooming make it an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets.
Care tips:
- Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
- Protect from frost to extend the blooming period
10. Kewpie
Kewpie is a dwarf celosia variety that packs a punch with its vibrant, feathery plumes. Available in a range of colors, including red, yellow, and orange, this compact plant is perfect for edging and small spaces. Its heat tolerance makes it a reliable performer in summer gardens.
Care tips:
- Plant in groups for a more impactful display
- Water consistently to maintain soil moisture
- Pinch back early in the season to encourage bushier growth
11. Smart Look Red
Smart Look Red is a compact celosia variety that boasts intense red plumes atop dark green foliage. This low-maintenance plant is known for its long-lasting blooms and resistance to heat and drought, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
Care tips:
- Plant in full sun for best color development
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
12. Sunday
The Sunday series of celosia offers a range of vibrant colors, including orange, bright red, and wine red. These plants feature large, feathery plumes on sturdy stems, making them excellent for cut flower arrangements.
Their heat tolerance ensures a long blooming season.
Care tips:
- Provide well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart for optimal air circulation
- Harvest blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
13. Sylphid
Sylphid is a unique celosia variety that produces delicate, wheat-like plumes in a soft green color. As the blooms mature, they take on a silvery sheen, adding a touch of elegance to gardens and floral arrangements.
This variety is particularly striking when planted en masse.
Care tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells
- Fertilize sparingly to maintain the plant’s natural form
14. Bombay
The Bombay series of celosia features large, velvety blooms in a range of bold colors, including purple, pink, and fiery red. These plants have a compact growth habit and are known for their long-lasting blooms, making them ideal for both garden beds and containers.
Care tips:
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming
- Protect from strong winds to prevent damage to the large blooms
15. Kosmo
Kosmo is a dwarf celosia variety that produces small, rounded plumes in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Its compact size and abundant blooms make it perfect for edging, containers, and even as a colorful groundcover.
This variety is particularly well-suited for children’s gardens.
Care tips:
- Plant in full sun for best color development
- Water consistently to maintain soil moisture
- Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth
Whether you’re looking for bold colors, unique textures, or compact growth habits, there’s a celosia variety to meet your needs. With their low-maintenance nature and stunning visual appeal, these plants are sure to add a touch of exotic charm to your outdoor spaces.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.