Woolflower (Cockscomb)
Celosia species. AMARANTHACEAE.
Planting and Growing Woolflower
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow woolflower in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of woolflower
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for woolflower
- Season of bloom and planting time for woolflower
- When, how deep, and where to plant woolflower
- How to plant woolflower
- Watering, fertilizing, care, and pests or diseases of woolflower
- Landscape and container uses of woolflower
- Comments about woolflower and its features
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Growing Woolflower
Nearly 60 species of mounding, dense annual or perennial herbs, 10–36 in. (25–90 cm) tall. Alternate, bright green or variegated, lance-shaped leaves, to 2 in. (50 mm) long.
Dwarf cultivars available.
Common cultivars include Celosia ‘Dwarf Fairy Fountains’, ‘Intermediate Apricot Brandy’, ‘Kimono’, ‘New Look’, ‘Pink Castle’, ‘Prestige Scarlet’, ‘Tall Forest Fire Improved’, and ‘Toreador’.
Planting and Care Guide
Blooms
Many tiny, bright gold, orange, purple, red, white, yellow, woolly, yarnlike flowers form erect plumes or rounded, nodding, crestlike clusters, to 4 in. (10 cm) tall, in summer–first frost.
Best Climates
Self-seeding, zones 2–11. Best in hot-summer climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich–low. 6.5–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in full sun, 9–12 in. (23–30 cm) apart, after frost hazard has passed.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Fertilize every 2–3 months. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom. Propagate by seed.
About This Plant
Good choice for beds, borders, containers, edgings in cottage, formal, meadow, small-space gardens. Good for cutting, drying. Pest and disease resistant.