Feathered Amaranth Celosia argentea var. plumosa

Plumed Celosia is an annual herb, a compact variety of Celosia in the Plumosa group that features narrow-pyramidal, plume-like flower heads (4 to 10 inches long) composed of tiny, densely-packed, vividly-colored flowers and erect stems with spear-shaped green leaves. This is a good cut flower that blooms through summer into fall and may last until the first frost. Since inflorescence color does not come from the corolla, the inflorescence can be cut, hung to dry, and it retains an attractive color when utilized as dried flowers or in floral arrangements. The genus name comes from the Greek word keleos meaning burning referring to the colorful flowers. The species argentea means "silvery", for the shiny, white bracts and tepals of the species. The group name Plumosa means "feathery" for the shape of the inflorescence.

Plumed Celosia is easily grown in humus rich, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun, although it does tolerate light shade and dry soils. The plant thrives in hot and humid conditions. The seed may be sown directly in the garden after the last spring frost date and, for earlier bloom, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom. Plant it in border fronts, edging, or cut flower gardens. Celosia species do reseed, they should be sited in a location where their reappearance every year is not unwanted. To prevent reseeding, you can cut off the blooms before seeds appear.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect issues.  Infrequent issues with aphids, whitefly and red spider mite.  These issues are more frequent when the plant is grown under glass.  

Susceptible to root rot, particularly in poorly drained soils. Fungal leaf spot diseases may also occur. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.