Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) [Kelos Fire Orange] ('Bkcelor') (Kelos Fire Series)

Synonyms

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Bkcelor'

Annual Biennial Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, upright, bushy, vigorous perennial to around 30cm in height, usually grown as an annual, with oval-shaped, green leaves. Thick plumes of feathery bright orange flowers appear in summer. Perfect for summer pots and containers, as a houseplant or as bedding in a flower border. Drought and heat-tolerant, once established

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 1 year
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus: Celosia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple or lobed, alternate leaves and tiny, brightly coloured flowers in large, plume-like inflorescences. Many garden selections are closely related to C. argentea
Name Status: Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a bright, warm sunny position in well-drained soil in full sun. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Avoid delaying transplanting to avoid root damage and stunted growth. Protect from frost

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in spring or by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Bedding
Conservatory and greenhouse
Cut flowers
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free