Celosia 'Kimono Dark Leaf Red', also known as plumed cockscomb, brings rich, jewel-toned colour to summer borders, patio pots and containers. Its deep red, velvety, feathery plumes sit against dark, burgundy-tinted foliage.

This is a compact, bushy annual that thrives in warm, sunny spots. The crimson plumes have a distinctive feathery texture that catches the light, giving colour from early summer right through to the first frosts. The plumes also make good cut flowers.

You receive 12 plants, each in its own 10.5cm pot, established and ready to plant out or pot on. Celosia is not frost hardy, so plant out only once nights are reliably warm and all risk of frost has passed. Choose a warm, sunny spot sheltered from strong winds, which can batter the plumes. Space plants 20-25cm apart in borders, or pot them on into larger containers of peat-free compost with good drainage.

Water regularly without letting the soil become waterlogged or dry out completely, feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks while growing, and deadhead spent blooms to keep the flowers coming.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Plumed Celosia, Plumed Cockscomb
• Botanical Name: Celosia argentea Plumosa Group
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 25-35cm tall and 20-30cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, upright annual
• Perfect For: Borders, patio containers, summer bedding displays, cut flowers
• Foliage: Deep burgundy-red, oval to lance-shaped leaves
• Flowering Time: Early summer to first frosts
• Flower Colour: Rich crimson-red, soft feathery plumes
• Planting Position: Full sun, sheltered from strong winds
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile, moist soil
• Hardiness: Not frost hardy, plant out after all risk of frost has passed
• Maintenance: Water regularly, feed every 2 weeks and deadhead
• Seasonal Interest: Summer to autumn
• Type: Half-hardy annual bedding plant