Celosia ‘Dragon’s Breath’

Stunning ‘Dragon’s Breath’ is known for its fiery red plumes and ruddy foliage

Large Celosia is a fun category because the plants have so many unusual shapes for drama presentations. A particularly stunning one is ‘Dragon’s Breath’, known for its fiery red plumes and ruddy foliage. This is a tall Celosia, about two feet high when the plumes emerge, so you can use it in larger containers or the middle to the back of beds. It also works as a centerpiece stand, or even in a cut flower garden.

Please note that a full deep red is only achieved when the plant is grown in full sun. ‘Dragon’s Breath’ often ships with green-bronze leaves because even clear greenhouses will shield it from some rays. That rich red comes out when it sits in the blazing sun for a few days.

If the mature leaves stay bronze-green, it’s a sign that some shade has crossed the plant during the day. Sunlight makes the red pigments come out, so the more sun the better. You’ll notice that the leaves revert to green if the plant needs more chlorophyll to harvest whatever light it can get.

Celosia ‘Dragon’s Breath’ is shipping now in the 6-inch pot.

Those dark red leaves of ‘Dragon’s Breath’ come from full sun exposure