Jesse Saylor
Family
Amaranthaceae
Botanical Name
CELOSIA argentea 'Apricot Brandy'( Plumosa Group)
Plant Common Name
Apricot Brandy Plume Celosia, Plume Cockscomb
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
The colorful pyramidal plumes of plume cockscomb are commonly enjoyed in annual borders and containers, and tall cultivars make great cut flowers. These bushy annuals may occasionally survive for a year or more in southern regions where winters are mild. They grow quickly from seed and have foliage that may be bright green, purple-red or bronze, depending on the cultivar. Their long-lasting plumes are comprised of many small bracted flowers that come in shades of bright yellow, orange, pink, purple, ivory or red. The dried seedheads release many shiny black seeds which will germinate the following season when growing conditions grow warm.
Plume cockscomb grows best in sites with full sun and average soil with good drainage. Established plants will withstand periods of high heat and even drought. To keep plants blooming to their fullest, cut back spent flowers as they begin to turn brown. Cockscomb is a cheerful bedding ornamental that will add bright summer color to dull beds. The flowerheads may be used in fresh flower arrangements or dried as everlastings. Seed-eating birds are drawn to the small, black seeds that rain down from the mature, dry seedheads, so it's good to let a few mature in fall.
There are many cultivars and varieties to choose from, such as the vibrant orange-flowered ‘Apricot Brandy' and 'New Look Red', which has dark purple-green leaves and vibrant crimson plumes.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 2
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Sunset Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Annual
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
8"-36" / 20.3cm - 91.4cm
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Width
8"-24" / 20.3cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall
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Native To
North America, Central America, South America, Middle Africa, Asia, Central Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
