Leo Cherry Red

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Amaranthaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Celosia

Species

plumosa

Description

An annual ornamental herbaceous plant with compact growth and an erect habit; from mid-spring to late summer, it displays showy, feather-like plume-shaped flowers in warm, attractive colours typical of species belonging to the Amarantaceae botanical family. Due to its growth and flowering characteristics, it is considered an ideal plant for flowerbeds, borders and outdoor tubs, even in compositions with other species or varieties of different heights in order to create perspective views and obtain continuous flowering over the months. It is also very decorative in small green spaces where the characteristic flowers create a hospitable environment for pollinating insects such as bees, thus helping to recreate and preserve a biodiversity situation. Suitable for hot summer climates, even droughts.

Variety description

Celosia Leo mix is compact and suitable for high-density cultivation in packs, thanks also to the great uniformity and speed of flowering if kept warm at all times. It does not require dwarfing. When mature it has feathery plume-shaped flowers in very warm and attractive colours. In flowerbeds it is not recommended for first transplanting as it has high heat requirements and suffers late cold returns which also stop its growth permanently.

Curiosities and special features

The term Celosia is derived from the Greek 'keleos' meaning 'burning' in relation to the colour of the inflorescences while plumosa means 'feathery' due to the shape of the inflorescence.

The inflorescences, cut and dried, can be used as decoration.

Origin and distribution

Native to tropical Asia, it was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century; the botanical name is attributed to the botanist and naturalist Carl von Linné.

Flower size

The flower is medium in size.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late spring to early autumn for a duration of 120 to 140 days, this parameter will allow us to design our green space considering the presence and alternation of continuous flowering throughout the year through the association of different species and varieties.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle resembling a soft coloured feather, which gives it high ornamental and decorative value.

Leaf colour

The colour shade of the foliage is solid.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.12 to 0.25 m, making it suitable for ornamental compositions in which it can be combined with more highly developed blooms.

Lifespan

Annual Plant.

Where to plant

Suitable, also in combination with other ornamental species with flowers in different colour tones, for adding colour and elegance to flower beds, balconies, outdoor tubs, borders, tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is of medium size with plain petals. It is arranged in panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 120 and 140 days. It is attractive to bees.

Growth

Compact and uniform Growth plant, the optimal choice for creating dense colourful surfaces.

Plant habit

Variety with an upright habit, ideal for creating mixed compositions with other ornamentals.

Branching

The branching is medium, giving the plant a well-proportioned habitus.

PH

For celosia the ideal soil pH is acidic or slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.5 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting the plants into the bed in spring, carry out light digging, removing any weeds, residues of previous crops, stones or bulky stones, then bury slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and break up the most compact clods by hoeing. In order to allow sufficient drainage of any excess water, which could accumulate and cause harmful water stagnation, continue by creating a raised bed by ballasting the soil, then add professional quality substrate on the surface to a height of 5/10 cm and carefully level it.

Sun exposure

It prefers full Sun exposures in order to obtain abundant and brightly coloured blooms.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C. The biological temperature is between 14 and 32 °C, making it a plant that adapts well to hot summer climates.

In flowerbeds it is not recommended for the first transplanting because, as it has relatively high thermal requirements, it could be damaged by late cold returns that would stop its growth even permanently, therefore it is suggested to transplant in mid- or late spring depending on the present climatic conditions.

Use

Its feathery plume-shaped flowers in very warm and attractive colours as well as its compact growth make it ideal as an indoor plant:

Ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design

Hardiness

Of average hardiness, it is also adapted to hot and dry climates.

Soil

For pot cultivation, use a spring plant medium containing peat and perlite. For transplanting into beds, the soil should be well draining, tending to sandy and rich in organic matter; if it is too compact, sand and peat should be buried.

Difficulty

It is on average difficult to manage and maintain, but by ensuring the necessary cultivation conditions, it will achieve excellent results with scenic blooms.

Growing tips

The following variety-specific aspects and cultivation conditions must be considered for optimal growth and flowering:

Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for mixed compositions with other ornamentals such as Ageranthemum houstonianum, Begonia semperflorens, Lobularia maritima.

Planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of 35 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure balanced development of each individual specimen, thus obtaining proportionate and balanced compositions; it is also recommended to position the plant on a raised flowerbed with the collar outside the soil surface, avoiding excessively compressing the lump and without damaging the roots, which are particularly delicate; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed.

Watering

Avoid water stress as celosia, having a fine root system, is particularly susceptible to root asphyxia. Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with a neutral optimum pH, either manually or with an irrigation system. When transplanting, assist the seedling so that it can adequately develop the root system in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity but at the same time not overdoing the water supply so as not to cause harmful water stagnation.

Subsequently allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between operations, but avoid wilting the plant; it is advisable to water only after checking the soil with balanced supplies, preferably during the morning hours.

Fertilising

Pay attention to possible fertiliser deficiencies since, like water stress, they lead to damage to the vegetative growth of the plant; in detail, a boron deficiency can cause leaf deformations and flower plumes in relation to flower colour, while a potassium deficiency leads to smaller, deformed inflorescences.

It is advisable to add a specific balanced fertiliser for flowering plants to the soil or substrate according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as stated on the label of the product purchased.

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity not known, consider specific case.

Edibility for humans

Ornamental varieties are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ornamental, non-edible species. Ingestion toxicity not known.

Tip

As Celosia Leo is a very compact variety, in order to create beautiful, dense cushions of colour (and not allow weeds to grow), it is advisable to transplant the plants closer together than other flowering annuals.