Celosia are unusual ornamental plants that look a little like the flames of fire. In fact, the name, celosia, comes from the Greek word, kelos, which means, "burned." Celosia are perfect for borders. Red is the most popular color, but they also come in yellow, orange, rose, and purple. They like full sun, and need rich, moist soil to thrive. Some varieties grow to be 10 - 12 inches tall, while others grow up to two feet. Celosia produce a lot of seeds, so even though they are annuals, you will have new sprouts coming up year after year.
Celosia, in addition to being beautiful plants, have other uses. In medicine, they are used as a treatment for tapeworms, blood diseases, mouth sores, and eye problems. The seeds are used to treat chest congestion, and the flowers treat diarrhea. Celosia leaves can be used as dressings for sores.
Celosia Argentea can be used as a leaf vegetable for salads. They have a spinach-like taste. In fact, in Africa, these plants are eaten on an almost-daily basis.
Celosia are very easy to grow. If you live in zones 2 - 11 (which almost everyone does), you may want to add these beauties to your garden.
Pretty.
ReplyDeleteI agree. They are unusual-looking flowers that add a lot of color to a garden.
DeleteThese are beautiful. Thank you for all of the cultural references. We have a little cluster of celosias in a garden around a fire pit and now I know how appropriate it is!
ReplyDeleteAppropriate, indeed!
DeleteThese are beautiful. I didn't know what they were called. Thank you for sharing the other information about them.
ReplyDeleteGlad I was able to provide a name to the "face!"
DeleteAnd here I thought they just looked pretty in my planters. Thanks so much for the added info on Celosia ~ I had no idea. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit ~ thanks!
ReplyDelete♥Sharon
Thanks for stopping by! It's amazing how many different uses a lot of common plants have.
Deletei love these--i had no idea of the medicinal purposes!!
ReplyDeleteThey are remarkable little plants!
DeleteI've had these in our back garden in TX and they are so pretty. They aren't thrilled to be really fried, but they seem hardy. I didn't know the name. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThey are very hardy. Just keep watering them!
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