Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)

I became familiar with this beauty when they were used in an arrangement sent to my mother during a hospital stay. I had no idea what these beauties were, but went on a search. Two years went by and I still hadn't determined what this flower was! But I never stopped looking.

Then, one day as I was riding down the road I saw a bed of these beauties! The caretaker of the garden was outside so of course I stopped (hubby hates it when I do this - but he's learned and now his complaints are moans under his breath). This nice lady was good enough to give me some of her younger plants. Within weeks, they grew into 4 foot beauties. Not only did I get my plants, I made a new gardening friend.

This celosia makes a fantastic show in the garden. Getting 4 to 4.5 feet tall and literally covered with the blooms you see to the left.

See the little black speck in the palm of the glove? Well, it's a seed of the Celosia Cristata! It just staggers my imagination that the little seed can produce such large, beautiful flowers - and produce them abundantly!

The plants are very sturdy and require no staking. The nice, long, sturdy stems make them fantastic in arrangements. They dry beautifully and keep their color for years and look great in dried flower arrangements as well!

As far as I know they come in three colors: Yellow, red and ivory. I've had all three colors, but my favorite is the red.

I dearly LOVE the RED Celosia cristata!