Celosie Kelos Fire Yellow - Silver cock's comb

The Celosia Kelos Fire Yellow is a rather compact variety of celosia that is particularly floriferous in summer. Its feathery inflorescences, reminiscent of slender flames, are bright yellow. They adorn a beautiful clump of leafy stems in a vibrant green that perfectly showcases them. Although a frost-tender perennial, this plant is often grown as an annual in a sunny location with rich, moist soil. It adds a touch of panache to beds, borders, and containers! To complement it, choose plants with a more understated appearance, with light flowers and foliage.

The Celosia argentea plumosa, also known as Feathered Cockscomb, is a plume celosia. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, and is related to both love-lies-bleeding and amaranth. The wild species originates from Central and South America. It is a frost-tender herbaceous perennial, but is grown as an annual in our climates. It has given rise to numerous cultivars, including the Plumosa group, which includes the Kelos Fire Yellow variety.

The Celosia Kelos Fire Yellow forms a clump of leafy stems reaching just 40 cm (16in) in height and spreading 45-50 cm wide in the span of 9 to 10 weeks. The flowering, which is spectacular, begins in June-July and continues until September. At the tips of the stems, appear conical and narrow spikes, shaped like plumes, standing 10-12 cm (4-5in) tall above the foliage. They are composed of small flowers surrounded by feathery bracts in bright and vibrant colours. These sun-like spikes create an eruption of unusually vivid colours, capable of energizing any flower bed. The celosia leaves are large, acid green in colour. They are wide and lanceolate, with prominent veins, arranged alternately on the stems, and are edible.

The Celosia Kelos Fire Yellow is perfect in fresh or dried bouquets, especially as 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 flower beds, borders, or large containers, you can pair it with ivy, common lady's mantle, or fennel to enhance its plumes and soften its vibrant colours. You can also combine different varieties of plume celosias, playing with the colours.

The leaves and seeds are used as food crops in Latin America. The plant also has medicinal properties, particularly 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 a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before placing them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.