Celosie Kelos Fire Red - Silver cock's comb

The Celosia Kelos Fire Red is a rather compact variety of celosia that is particularly floriferous in summer. Its feathery inflorescences, reminiscent of flames, are richly colored in Burgundy red. They crown a beautiful tuft of leafy stems in a vibrant green that perfectly showcases them. While frost tender, this plant is grown as an annual in rich and moist soil, in full sun. It brings a real flair to flowerbeds, borders, and potted plants! To accompany it, choose plants with a more understated appearance, with light flowers and foliage.

The feathered spike celosia, in Latin Celosia argentea plumosa, is also known as Velvet Flower. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, and is related to both fox-tail amaranth and beets. The wild species originates from Central and South America. A frost tender herbaceous perennial, it is grown as an annual in our latitudes. It has given rise to numerous cultivars, among which is the group of Plumosa, with feathery flowers, to which the Kelos Fire Red variety belongs.

In the span of 9 to 10 weeks, the Kelos Fire Red celosia forms a tuft of leafy stems that barely reach 40 cm (16in) in height, with a spread of 45-50 cm (18-20in). The flowering, spectacular, begins in June-July and continues until September. At the tips of the stems, cone-shaped plume-like spikes appear, measuring 10-12 cm (4-5in) in height and standing above the foliage. They are composed of small flowers surrounded by feathery bracts in bright and vibrant colours. These shimmering spikes create an eruption of colors with an uncommon vivacity, capable of energizing any flowerbed. The celosia leaves are large, with a refreshing green color. They are wide and lanceolate, with prominent veins, arranged alternately on the stems, and they are edible.

The Kelos Fire Red celosia is perfect for fresh or dried bouquets, especially since the flower retains its beautiful colours for a long time. To dry the flowers, hang them upside down in a shady place for two months. In flowerbeds, borders, or large potted plants, you can associate it with ivy, common lady's mantle, or fennel, which will enhance its plumes and temper its flashy colours. You can also mix different varieties of feathered celosias, playing with different colours.

The leaves and seeds are used as food plants in Latin America. The plant also has medicinal properties; it is particularly known for its hemostatic properties (it stops bleeding).

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.