Celosia argentea

Celosia turns hundreds of tiny flowers into one extraordinary, velvety display. Depending on the cultivar, its blooms may resemble flames, feathers, coral, or folds of brilliantly colored fabric in shades of crimson, magenta, orange, yellow, and pink. The long-lasting flower heads retain their color beautifully on the plant and can also be dried for arrangements, making Celosia a spectacular seasonal accent indoors or out.

Give Celosia as much direct sun and warmth as possible, ideally at least six hours of sun in a warm outdoor location; indoors, use your brightest window and expect it to perform as a temporary flowering plant. Keep its fertile, well-draining soil consistently but not continuously wet, watering when the surface begins to dry and avoiding waterlogged roots or repeatedly wet flower heads. Celosia grows best during warm weather and should be protected from cold nights, which can interrupt growth and flowering. Feed lightly every few weeks while actively growing, and remove faded flowers to encourage additional blooms unless you want to collect seed.

It is naturally an annual, so eventual decline after flowering and seed production is part of its normal life cycle.