Flamma Red

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Amaranthaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Celosia

Species

silvery

Description

An annual ornamental herb with vigorous growth and an upright habit; from late spring to the end of summer, it produces striking, showy panicle-shaped inflorescences, resembling feathers in warm, attractive colours, which are highly attractive to pollinating insects. Due to its growth and flowering characteristics, it is considered an ideal plant for landscaping in flowerbeds, including those along roadsides, either as single plants or in combinations with other species or varieties of differing heights and flower colours, in order to create visual interest and ensure continuous flowering over the course of several months; It is also suitable for enhancing terraces and balconies in pots and planters.

Varietal description

Celosia ‘Flamma’ has vigorous yet compact growth thanks to its excellent branching. It flowers early and consistently, with colours that remain bright and never fade. It is highly heat-tolerant and thrives best in very sunny positions. It is mainly used in large flowerbeds, but also in planters alongside other flowering plants or with ‘Flamma Yellow’. It flowers continuously for 4–5 months. In a greenhouse, it requires high temperatures at the start of cultivation, above 14°C.

curiosity and special features

The genus name, Celosia, derives from the Greek word *keleos*, meaning ‘to burn’, in reference to the flowers’ warm, vibrant colours, whilst the term ‘argentea’ refers to the species’ shiny bracts and tepals.

The inflorescence, when cut and hung up to dry, retains its attractive colour and can be used in dried flower arrangements. In central and western Africa and in Asia, some non-ornamental varieties of Celosia are a traditional vegetable; their leaves are harvested when the plant is young, before it flowers, to be boiled or steamed and eaten as a side dish or combined with other vegetables in soups and stews.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to India and Nepal, and now widespread throughout Africa, Asia and Central and South America, it was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century as an ornamental plant; its botanical name is attributed to the botanist and naturalist Carl von Linné.

Flower size

The individual flower, as part of the inflorescence, isof average size when compared with that of other varieties of celosia.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina with a sinuous effect.

Flowering period

It blooms from late spring to late summer for a duration of 120 to 140 days. This is of great importance for designing our green space by combining different species in order to achieve continuous flowering and harmonious colour combinations.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle typical of Species belonging to the botanical Family Amarantaceae.

Leaf color

A solid colour, perfectly balanced with the vibrant hue of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.35 to 0.45 m, making it suitable for ornamental arrangements in which it can be combined with species of varying sizes.

Lifespan

An annual variety, used in flowerbeds and planters to provide elegant blooms in spring and summer.

Suggested planting locations

Excellent for creating dramatic perspective effects in flowerbeds, outdoor tubs, borders, planters, large flowerbeds and road roundabouts

Stem/stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is medium-sized with solid-coloured petals. It grows in large panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 140 days. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

Growth

A variety characterised by medium-vigorous growth.

Plant habit

Plant habit develops with an upright habit visually reinforced by the scenic Inflorescences rising above the foliage.

branching

The abundant branching, combined with excellent branching out, gives this variety a dense canopy of foliage and flowers.

pH

Soil/medium pH for celosia is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.2.

soil preparation

Before transplanting, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops, stones or large rocks, then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and break up any compacted clods by hoeing. To ensure adequate drainage of any excess water, which could accumulate and cause harmful waterlogging, continue by creating a raised bed by mounding the soil, finally, add a layer of professional-grade growing medium to the surface to a depth of 5–10 cm and level it carefully.

sun exposure

It grows well in full sun, partial shade or afternoon sun; it produces the best results in terms of growth and flowering when exposed to maximum light, provided it is watered appropriately.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C. Its biological temperature range is between 12 and 35 °C, and it adapts well to hot summer climates.

It is not recommended for planting in flowerbeds during the early spring as, given its relatively high temperature requirements, it could be damaged by late frosts, which could halt its growth, possibly permanently; therefore it is recommended to transplant it in mid- to late spring when minimum temperatures are at least 14 °C.

Use

Its vigorous growth and spectacular inflorescences in bright colours make it ideal for use in areas such as:

Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy variety, it is well suited to climates with hot summers.

Soil/medium

Medium textured soil, Amended and well draining, is the best condition for proper growth of celosia in flowerbeds; for cultivation in pots or planters, use a spring planting medium containing peat and perlite.

Maintenance

Easy to grow, it requires a low level of management effort.

cultivation tips

To achieve the best possible results in terms of growth and flowering, bear in mind the following variety-specific cultivation guidelines:

Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Composition

It can be used in combination with other varieties of celosia or with various ornamental species such as Ageranthemum houstonianum, Begonia semperflorens, Ipomea xhybrida, Lobularia x hybrida, Salvia farinacea, Senecio cineraria and Tagetes patula.

planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of20 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure the balanced growth of each individual plant, thereby achieving proportionate and balanced arrangements; as the stem of a young plant is tender, it is advisable to plant them in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to plant them too deeply and avoiding excessive compression of the root ball to prevent root damage. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be achieved by sowing seeds.

Irrigation

Watering, using either rainwater or, alternatively, mains water, can be carried out manually, using an overhead sprinkler system or by sub-irrigation, taking care to avoid water stress. In the early stages following transplanting, support the seedling so that it can develop its root system properly, maintaining constant moisture levels whilst taking care not to overwater, so as to avoid harmful waterlogging; subsequently, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, without, however, letting the plant wilt. It is advisable to water only after checking the soil, using balanced amounts of water, preferably in the morning.

Fertilization

Be mindful of any fertiliser deficiencies as, like water stress, these can impair the plant’s vegetative growth; specifically, a boron deficiency can cause leaf deformities, whilst a potassium deficiency leads to smaller, misshapen flower clusters.

It is advisable to apply a balanced fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering plants to the soil or growing medium, following the recommended doses and application frequencies as stated on the label of the product purchased.

Pet friendly

No known toxicity following ingestion; assess on a case-by-case basis.

Edibility for humans

The ornamental varieties are not edible.

Human toxicity

An ornamental species; not edible. No known toxicity if ingested.

advise 1

Celosias are delicate plants in their early stages, when low temperatures and water stress can cause growth to stall or flowering to occur prematurely, affecting the plant’s final size; it will be slow to recover even after being transplanted into a container or flowerbed. Care must also be taken with watering, as the plant has a fine root system that is prone to root asphyxia. Celosia ‘Flamma’ should be transplanted into a flowerbed when the minimum temperature is at least 14°C.