Celosia cristata

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Plant
ID 240 Celosia cristata
Botanic Name Celosia cristata
Common Name Prince of Wales Feathers, Cockscomb
Family Name Amaranthaceae
Cultivars 'Plumosa', 'Forest Fire', 'Golden Sunburst', 'Fire Feather'
Origin Tropical America, Caribbean, Zone 10-12
Growth Type Annual
Bark Type Soft wooded
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use High
No. of Species 50
Growth Habit Clumping Growth Rate Fast
Height 0.3 - 1.2 m (1 - 4 ft) Spread 0.5 m (2 ft)
Plant Overview
This bedding annual forms a leafy clump with bright coloured plumes that stand erect above the foliage. It has mid green leaves and there are 2 types flowers, the feathery Plumose group and the Cockscombs (brain looking) Cristata group and appear in summer.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Ovate
The 120 mm (4 ¾ in) long leaves are ovate to narrow lanceolate with an acuminate apex and a short petiole. They are mid green with prominent venation and the undulating entire margins are tinged in red.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Undulate
Colour Mid green
Size 100 - 120 mm ( 3.9 - 4.7 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Campanulate
The tiny campanulate flowers are arranged in dense terminal or axillary spikes that appear in a cyme that is up to 160 mm (6 1/4 in) tall. They are available in many colour including shades of yellow, red and purple and appear throughout summer.
Inflorescence Spike
Colour Yellow - orange
Size 3 - 4 mm ( 0.1 - 0.2 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Capsule Additional Information
Colour Brown
The small woody capsule contains numerous viable very small seeds that germinate easily.
Edible No
Bird Attractive No
Size 3 - 4 mm ( 0.1 - 0.2 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained fertile sandy to light clay loam, moist ,organic rich, pH 6.0-7.0
Container Pots, tubs, planter boxes
Climate Tropical
Aspect Full sun open position, frost and drought tender, wind protection
Pest & Diseases Leaf spot, damping-off, red spider mite, root knot nematode
Fertiliser 100 grams of complete fertiliser per month per square meter, with ample moisture
Pruning Avoid tip pruning, remove spent flower heads, moderately deer resistant
Cultural Uses Propagation
Cockscomb is grown for its colourful flowers and is used for bedding displays in parks and gardens or used in patios pots. It establishes in one year and is more vigorous in warm climates. It is also planted along low front borders.
Sow seed in boxes, prick out when large enough to handle and plant after the last frosts. It takes three months from seed to flower and seedlings should be planted 300 mm (1 ft) apart.
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