Plant Primer: Intenz Lipstick celosia

Intenz Lipstick celosia

Light: full sun

Height: 14-18 inches

Spread: 12 inches

USDA Hardiness Zone: annual

Origin: cultivated from tropical Americas and Africa

Talk about a show-stopping annual, the Intenz Lipstick celosia (Celosia argentea var. spicata 'Intenz Lipstick') is just that. This warm-season annual has lanceolate leaves of medium green with tints of purple.

The flower spikes, looking a bit like wheat, are a rich red/purple color, resembling lipstick. The color will fade a bit in the heat of Ohio's summers, but the lighter purple is still beautiful.

The flowers last for weeks and will attract bees, butterflies and the occasional hummingbird. Intenz Lipstick celosia makes a nice addition to container gardens, where it will act as the filler. In the garden, it displays best when planted in groups of five or more plants. This celosia thrives in well-draining soil, with occasional supplemental water.

Find Intenz Lipstick celosia in the coral reef-inspired garden beds below the topiary fish at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory