Plumed Celosia
Cramer's Rose Celosia is a prolific, iridescent rose-colored crested celosia that reaches a compact 30 inches tall and blooms from summer through fall across hardiness zones 2-11. This open-pollinated cultivar takes 84-98 days from seed to full bloom and thrives in full sun with moderate water and neutral soil. Its stunning rose-hued, crested flower heads make it exceptional as a fresh or dried cut flower, earning its place in gardens where color and longevity matter.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
30in H x 12in W
Annual
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The iridescent rose coloring of this variety is genuinely arresting, shifting slightly as light catches the crested blooms. It's prolific in flower production, meaning you'll have continuous harvests from June through November. The compact growth habit keeps it tidy in the garden while still producing stems substantial enough for cutting and drying, a rare combination that makes it equally at home in bouquets and dried arrangements.
Cramer's Rose Celosia earns its reputation primarily as an exceptional cut flower, both fresh and dried. Gardeners harvest the fully developed flower heads while stems remain firm at the base, then either arrange them immediately in water or hang them to dry in dark, well-ventilated spaces. The dried flowers hold their color and form for months, making them valuable for winter arrangements and dried flower projects.
Sow seeds onto the soil surface or barely cover them in 72-cell flats or roomy cell-packs 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Light is required for germination. Maintain soil temperature at 70-85°F initially, then grow seedlings at 63-68°F to prevent premature flowering. Some sources recommend starting at 68-78°F until germination, then lowering to 65°F. Use roomy containers to avoid rootbound seedlings, which can trigger early flowering.
Harden off seedlings gradually and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. This frost-tender variety will not survive cold soil or late frosts.
Direct sowing is possible only in locations with long growing seasons. Sow 1/8 inch deep after the last frost date for later blooms.
For cut flowers, harvest when blooms are fully developed and stems are firm at the base of the flower head. For drying, harvest at the same stage of development as you would for fresh flowers. Remove all foliage before hanging stems in a dark, well-ventilated location to dry completely.
Pinch seedlings when young to encourage branching and a fuller plant shape. Beyond that, this compact cultivar requires minimal pruning.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.