Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia flowers
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia flowers
(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)
Height: 24 inches
Spacing: 12 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Other Names: Plumed co*ckscomb, Woolflower
Description:
Summer plumes of radiant scarlet red, set against the copper-burgundy foliage on a dense plant; vivid flower heads form at every node; a great container plant or massed along borders
Ornamental Features
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia features showy plumes of scarlet flowers rising above the foliage from early summer to mid fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy leaves emerge dark red in spring, turning burgundy in color with showy coppery-bronze variegation and tinges of grayish green throughout the season.
Landscape Attributes
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia is a dense herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Container Planting
- Hanging Baskets
Planting & Growing
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 16 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
FAQs
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Dragon's Breath' is an upright, bushy annual noted for its extra-large, bright-red, plume-like flowers, 10 in. long (25 cm), and unusual leaves.
Can you keep dragons breath indoors? ›
Dragon's Breath Celosia requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡. Dragon's Breath Celosia doesn't require additional humidity.
How big do celosia dragons breath get? ›
Dragon's Breath Plumed Celosia will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 16 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front.
Will my celosia come back every year? ›
Do Celosias Come Back Each Year? In zones 10-12, and tropical areas, celosia comes back each year because it's naturally a perennial not an annual, but anything cooler will kill it. In all zones below 10, and areas that receive frost, celosia can be grown like an annual.
Will celosia survive a freeze? ›
Celosia are tender and will die once temperatures drop into the 30 to 40° F. zone, or below. If they are planted in containers, they are even more exposed, as the roots are closer to the chilly air.
Is dragons breath a houseplant? ›
Alocasia 'Heterophylla Dragon's Breath' is a unique and exotic houseplant best known for its arrowhead-shaped leaves with a silver hue and grooved texture. This plant prefers an environment with high humidity, making it the perfect addition to your bathroom or kitchen.
Why is my dragon breath plant dying? ›
Overwatering
Too much moisture can cause the roots to become waterlogged and suffocated. This can compromise the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death.
Where is the best place to plant dragons breath? ›
It likes full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sun per day. Keep young plants well-watered. However, once established, Dragon's Breath is incredibly drought-tolerant. Simply ensure that you provide plenty of water during hot, dry periods in order to get as many blooms as possible.
How long do celosia plants last? ›
They bloom from early summer until the first frost. Deadheading the plant during this time encourages it to make new blooms. How long do celosia plants live as houseplants? Unfortunately, 12 months is about it.
Is celosia toxic to dogs? ›
Celosia. Celosia has an interesting shape and is a great choice for pet parents! They're not poisonous to cats or dogs and grow best in zones 10-12.
Simply put, annual plants die in the winter season so you must replant them every year, while perennials come back every year so you only plant them once.
Can you grow celosia in the house? ›
Celosia seeds can be sown indoors in a warm environment in early spring, ideally in a propagator at a temperature of between 20-25ºC (68-77ºF). The seeds should germinate in 1-2 weeks, and the seedlings can either be planted outside in summer or grown as indoor plants.
How hard is celosia to grow? ›
Growing From Seed
It's easy to grow celosia from seed, but you'll want to make sure you time it right in order to ensure a thriving plant. Trautz-Awot says to sow the tiny seeds six to eight weeks before your average last frost date.
Is dragons breath easy to grow? ›
Celosia | Celosia argentea plumosa / SEED
Growers like that Dragon's Breath is quick, easy and economical to produce (for spring or fall) with minimal need for PGRs and fertilizer. Retailers like it for its long shelf life and adaptability—Dragon's Breath is great in containers, beds and large landscapes.
How do you keep celosia alive in the winter? ›
If you live in an area that gets cold and dark during the fall and winter months, a grow lamp can help keep your celosia alive until things begin to warm back up. You can buy a grow lamp for as little as $20 online or at any greenhouse or gardening center.
How do you take care of dragon's breath in the winter? ›
Dragon's breath plant winter care includes covering it with transparent plastic bags to prevent the harsh frost. If you grow it in containers, then they can easily be moved indoors at that time. This plant likes warm weather and direct sunlight during the hot summer months.
How long is the life span of a celosia plant? ›
They bloom from early summer until the first frost. Deadheading the plant during this time encourages it to make new blooms. How long do celosia plants live as houseplants? Unfortunately, 12 months is about it.
