Dragon's Breath® Celosia

Dragon’s Breath® is Sakata’s red-foliaged plumed celosia, grown as a warm-season annual for its upright shape and bold red flower plumes. The breeder recommends it for containers, beds, and larger landscape plantings, and notes that heat and humidity can intensify its red foliage and flowers ([Sakata profile](https://sakataornamentals.com/plantname/dragons-breath-red/)). ## Form and display Sakata lists a garden height of 24 inches and width of 16 inches. The red foliage and late-developing plumes provide strong color in a container or sunny bed. Celosia argentea forms vary in flower shape; the plumosa group has feathery flowerheads. ## Siting Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. University of Florida IFAS describes celosia as a warm-season annual with upright growth and notes that celosia can tolerate some shade ([IFAS guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP114?downloadOpen=true)). Protect the plant from frost; a winter-hardiness rating does not describe its annual use. ## Maintenance Water young plants as they establish and keep moisture reasonably even during active growth. Avoid saturated soil. Sakata reports that this selection needs little fertilizer and can show stronger red tones with heat, humidity, and infrequent watering; avoid deliberately stressing new plantings.