Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group)

Search PlantFinder Names

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group)

(0 ratings) --- Rate this plant / Read comments

Kemper Code: B728

Common Name: cockscomb
Zone: (annual)
Plant Type: Annual
Family: Amaranthaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 0.75 to 3 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: June - September
Bloom Color: Orange, red, purple, yellow or pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low

Plant Culture and Characteristics

Sources for this plant

View our source(s)

High resolution image available.

Uses:		Wildlife:	Flowers:	Leaves:	Fruit:
Hedge	Suitable as annual	Attracts birds	Has showy flowers	Leaves colorful	Has showy fruit
Shade tree	Culinary herb	Attracts	Has fragrant flowers	Leaves fragrant	Fruit edible
Street tree	Vegetable	hummingbirds	Flowers not showy	Good fall color	Other:
Flowering tree	Water garden plant	Attracts	Good cut flower	Evergreen	Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1')	Will naturalize	butterflies	Good dried flower		Thorns or spines

General Culture: Click for monthly care information.

Celosia is a tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. It is grown in the St. Louis area as a warm weather annual. It is easily grown in humusy, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and dry soils. Thrives in hot and humid St. Louis summers. Seed may be sown directly in the garden after last spring frost date. For earlier bloom, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. Taller cultivars should be planted in locations sheltered from strong winds. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Celosia argentea var. cristata is currently divided into four different groups: (1) Cristata Group, (2) Plumosa Group (see A571 herein), (3) Childsii Group and (4) Spicata Group. Cristata Group plants, commonly called cockscombs, are old garden favorites that feature fasciated, large crested flower heads (3-12” across), with each flower head somewhat resembling the comb of a rooster. Flower colors include bright shades of orange, red, purple, yellow and pink. Flowers bloom throughout summer into fall (sometimes to frost) on stems clad with spear-shaped green to red-purple leaves. The flower heads sometimes project an artificial, almost plastic-like appearance that, to some gardeners, may border on the gaudy. Cristata Group cultivars range in size from dwarf to tall (8-36”). Selections include the Jewel Box Series (to 6-8” tall) and the Big Chief Series (to 3’ tall). Genus name comes from a Greek word meaning “burning” in probably reference to flower head appearance of the erect Plumosa Group-type cultivars.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to root rot, particularly in poorly-drained soils. Fungal leaf spot diseases may also occur. Taller cultivars require staking.

Uses:

Mass or group in beds, borders or cutting gardens. Good fresh cut or dried flower. Containers.