CELOSIA

 

CELOSIA OR COCKSCOMB - Everlasting

Poetical language - Foppery

Coxcombs are of all ranks and kinds, 

They re not to sex or age confined; 

Of rich or poor or great or small, 

Tis vanity besets them all. 

                                     Gay 

The Celosia is one of the finest midsummer and early autumn bedding plants. The feathered form is usually called Celosia, and the enormous headed mushroom shaped sorts are called Cockscomb. There is a glowing richness about these flowers with their chenille like plushy inflorescence, that makes them the admiration of all. If these handsome heads are cut as soon as at their best, dried in deep shade and kept out of strong sunshine, they will keep their resplendent richness until midwinter. They are the richest and most velvety of all. Everlastings when in their prime. They are tender annuals, but grow very rapidly when the weather becomes warm. They deteriorate rapidly, unless great pains is taken in plant breeding and seed saving. It is best to buy one's seed and get the choicest strains at that of reliable dealers. White and cream Celosias are too dingy to be worth growing. The orange and pink shades find many admirers, but the best color of all is the deep dark crimson that has made this flower famous.  

Reference:

1. The Mayflower 1904

2. FRITZ BAHR'S COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE A Practical Manual for the Retail Grower By FRITZ BAHR HIGHLAND PARK ILLINOIS NEW YORK THE AT DE LA MARE COMPANY INC