Leo Yellow

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Amaranthaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Celosia

Species

plumosa

Description

An annual ornamental herb with a compact growth habit and an upright habit; from mid-spring until the end of summer, it produces striking, showy, feather-like panicle-shaped flowers in warm, attractive colours typical of species belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. Due to its growth and flowering characteristics, it is considered an ideal plant for adorning flowerbeds, borders and outdoor planters, including in combinations with other species or varieties of different heights to create visual depth and ensure continuous flowering over the months; It is also highly decorative in small green spaces, where its distinctive flowers create a welcoming environment for pollinating insects such as bees, thereby helping to restore and preserve biodiversity. Suitable for hot summer climates, including dry conditions.

Variety description

The Leo mix celosia is compact and suitable for high-density cultivation in seed trays, thanks in part to its high uniformity and rapid flowering, provided it is kept warm at all times. It does not require growth-inhibiting agents. When mature, it produces feathery, panicle-shaped flowers in very warm and attractive colours. In flowerbeds, it is not recommended for early transplanting as it has high temperature requirements and is susceptible to late frosts, which can halt its growth, even permanently.

Curiosities and special features

The term ‘Celosia’ derives from the Greek ‘keleos’, meaning ‘fiery’, in reference to the colour of the inflorescences, whilst ‘plumosa’ means ‘feathery’, referring to the shape of the inflorescence.

The inflorescences, once 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; its 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

The flowering period lastsfrom late spring to early autumn for a duration of between 120 and 140 days; this information will enable us to design our green space, taking into account the presence and succession of continuous blooms throughout the year by combining different species and varieties.

Inflorescence

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

Leaf colour

The foliage has asolid colour.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.12 and 0.25 m, making it suitable for ornamental arrangements in which it can be combined with taller flowering plants.

Lifespan

Annual Plant.

Where to plant

Suitable, even when combined with other ornamental species with flowers in different shades, for adding colour and elegance toflowerbeds, balconies, outdoor planters, borders and pots

Stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant 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

A variety with an upright habit, ideal for creating mixed arrangements with other ornamental plants.

Branching

The plant has a moderate degree of branching, giving it a well-proportioned habit.

PH

For celosia, the ideal soil pH is acidic or slightly acidic, with optimal values ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before planting in the flowerbed in spring, 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 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. Its biological temperature range is between 14 and 32 °C, making it a plant that adapts well to hot summer climates.

It is not recommended to plant it in flowerbeds during the initial transplanting stage as, given its relatively high temperature requirements, it could be damaged by late frosts, which could halt its growth, possibly permanently; it is therefore advisable to transplant it in mid- to late spring, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

Use

Its feathery, plume-like flowers, with their very warm and attractive colours, as well as its compact growth habit, make it ideal as a plant for:

Ornamental use Outdoor landscape design

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy and can also thrive in hot, 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 moderately difficult to manage and maintain, but provided it is given the necessary growing conditions, it will produce excellent results with spectacular blooms.

Growing tips

To ensure optimal growth and abundant flowering, it is necessary to take into account the following aspects and variety-specific growing conditions:

Expose the plant to as much light as possible Keep the growing medium 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 of35 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure the balanced growth of each individual plant, thereby achieving proportionate and balanced arrangements; it is also advisable to plant the specimen in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to compress the root ball excessively and to avoid damaging the roots, which are particularly delicate; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

Propagation can take place via seed.

Watering

Avoid water stress, as celosia, having a fine root system, is particularly susceptible to root asphyxia. Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal neutral pH, either by hand or via an irrigation system. When transplanting, support the seedling so that it can develop its root system properly in its new location, keeping the soil at a constant moisture level whilst ensuring that watering is not excessive, so as not to cause harmful waterlogging.

Subsequently, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, whilst taking care not to let the plant wilt; it is advisable to water only after checking the soil, using balanced amounts of water, preferably in the morning.

Fertilising

Pay attention to any fertiliser deficiencies as, like water stress, they can cause damage to the plant’s vegetative growth; more specifically, a boron deficiency can cause, in relation to flower colour, leaf deformities and abnormalities in the flower cluster, whilst a potassium deficiency leads to smaller, misshapen inflorescences.

It is advisable to apply a balanced, flower-specific fertiliser to the soil or growing medium, following the recommended doses and application frequencies as stated on the label of the product purchased.

Pet safety

Toxicity following ingestion is unknown; assess on a case-by-case basis.

Edibility for humans

The ornamental varieties are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

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

Tip

As Celosia Leo is a very compact variety, to create lovely, colour-packed clumps (and to prevent weeds from growing), it is advisable to space the plants closer together than you would with other annual flowering plants.