Celosia argentea plumosa ‘Dragon’s Breath’ is one of the best cultivars for brilliant colour. Commonly called simply Celosia ‘Dragon’s Breath’, is grown for the brilliant foliage but more so for the bright red flowers.

Flowering from spring to summer right through until autumn the actual flowering season will depend on the climate.
It grows well in full sun to a little shade and does like a fertile soil. And is a plant widely used for potted colour.
This a plant that can be grown in the garden border or in containers. Although generally grown as an annual, Celosia species can be grown as perennials in their natural climate zones which means a tropical zone.
How to Plant Celosia Dragon’s Breath – General care
1. When to plant: Plant seedlings or plug plants as soon as the weather warms up and the danger of frosts is over.
2. Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for airflow and room to grow.
3. Planting Depth: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep; if transplanting seedlings, place them at the same depth as they were in the nursery pot.
4. Containers: Plant in large containers with good drainage holes. Use a balanced potting mix if growing in pots.
Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
- Cut back leggy or overly large growth during the growing season to maintain a compact shape.
- Remove damaged or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth and air circulation.
General Care
- Maintain moderate moisture and avoid waterlogging. Ensure that the plant is in a location where it receives plenty of sunlight.
- Regularly check for pests, such as aphids or spider mites, and treat them accordingly.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth.
Exposure / Light
Best Grown in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Soil Type
- Use a free draining, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Celosia prefers evenly moist soil but dislikes being waterlogged.A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand is ideal for good drainage.
Watering
- Dragons Breath Celosia requires moderate watering.
- Water deeply when the soil surface feels dry, but ensure that the plant is not sitting soggy wet soils
Climate Zones
- Australia Suitable for zones 10-11, this means warm temperate to tropical, it can be grown as an annual in cooler zones.
- USA Best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 in cooler zones grow this as an annual..
- UK Grown as an annual or in containers in sheltered areas, frost-free zones.
Temperature / Humidity
Celosia is at its best and really thrives in warm, tropical climates with temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–29°C).
Average humidity levels are ideal, but they can tolerate low humidity if watered properly.
Landscaping Uses for Celosia Dragon’s Breath
- Ideal for borders, garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and as a cut flower.
- Adds brilliant color to gardens, and works well in formal and cottage garden styles.
- Popular in mass plantings or as a single focal point.
Water regularly during dry periods for best growth.
This is an annual and this means Celosia Dragon’s Breath will not come back the following year by itself. Other species and varieties include Celosia Cristata

Celosia Dragon’s Breath – Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Celosia argentea plumosa ‘Dragon’s Breath’
- Common Name – Dragons breath.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Fertile humus rich
- Height – To around 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) tall.
- Width – To around12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide.
- Growth Habit – Compact, upright, bushy, and branching growth with a striking, plume-like flower head.
- Flowers – Red to Burgundy
- Flowering time – Spring through summer to Autumn/Fall
- Root System – Shallow and fibrous, making the plant relatively easy to transplant but also vulnerable to drought.