Dragons Breath Plants

If you’re looking for a plant that truly lives up to its name, look no further than dragons breath plants. These exotic and fiery annuals are famous for their intense, blazing red foliage that seems to glow from within.

They create a stunning visual impact in any garden. Their color is so vibrant it can stop you in your tracks. This guide will give you everything you need to grow them successfully.

This plant is a cultivar of Celosia argentea, specifically from the Plumosa group. Unlike its feathery plumed cousins, ‘Dragons Breath’ is known for its dense, velvety, and almost flame-like foliage and flowers.

The entire plant is a spectacle of crimson and burgundy. It’s a tender perennial usually grown as an annual in most climates. It provides non-stop color from early summer right up to the first hard frost.

Why Choose Dragons Breath for Your Garden?

There are several compelling reasons to add this plant to your beds and containers.

Unmatched Color: The deep red-burgundy hue is consistent on both leaves and flowers, creating a massive block of color.
Long-Lasting Show: It has an exceptionally long blooming season, often outlasting many other annuals.
Heat and Drought Tolerance: Once established, it handles hot, dry periods remarkably well.
Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
Versatility: Works beautifully in landscapes, containers, and even as a unique houseplant.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To get the best color and growth, you need to mimic its preferred environment. Getting this right is the key to a fiery display.

Sunlight Needs

Dragons breath plants demand full sun. This means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

More sun equals more intense color and a sturdier plant. In partial shade, the color may fade to a duller greenish-red, and the stems can become leggy as they reach for light.

Soil Requirements

The soil is crucial. Dragons breath prefers a specific foundation to thrive.

Well-Draining: This is non-negotiable. Soggy roots will quickly lead to rot.
Rich in Organic Matter: Mix in plenty of compost or aged manure before planting.
Slightly Acidic to Neutral pH: A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Warm Soil: Plant only after the soil has warmed up in spring. Cold, wet soil is a major setback.

Climate and Temperature

This is a heat-loving plant. It thrives in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C).

It will not survive frost. In cooler summer regions, it may grow slower and be less vibrant. It’s perfect for hot, humid climates where other plants might struggle.

Planting Your Dragons Breath

You can start from seed or purchase young plants from a nursery. Here’s how to do both.

Starting from Seed Indoors

For a head start, begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.

Fill a seed tray with a fine, moist seed-starting mix.
Press the tiny seeds gently onto the soil surface; they need light to germinate so don’t cover them.
Mist lightly with water and cover the tray with a clear plastic dome to retain humidity.
Place in a warm spot (75-80°F) with bright, indirect light.
Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days. Remove the dome once they do.
Keep the seedlings moist and provide strong light to prevent them from getting to tall and thin.

Transplanting to the Garden

Wait until all danger of frost has passed and nights are consistently above 50°F (10°C).

Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Prepare the garden bed by loosening soil and incorporating compost.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. They need good air circulation to stay healthy.
Plant at the same depth they were in their pot. Water thoroughly after planting.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

In warm climates with long growing seasons, you can sow seeds directly in the garden after the soil is warm.

Simply scatter seeds on prepared soil, press them in gently, and keep the area moist until germination. You’ll need to thin the seedlings later to the proper spacing.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once established, dragons breath plants are quite easy to care for. A little attention goes a long way.

Watering Schedule

Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Its important to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease. Overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering for this tough plant.

Fertilizing for Fiery Color

Feed your plants to support their vigorous growth.

At planting, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil.
During the growing season, you can apply a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote green leafy growth at the expense of that famous red color.
A fertilizer higher in phosphorus can help support strong blooming, though the flowers are secondary to the foliage here.

Pruning and Deadheading

While not strictly necessary, a little pruning can improve the plant’s shape.

Pinch back the growing tips of young plants to encourage bushier, more compact growth. The flower heads are long-lasting, but you can remove spent ones to keep the plant looking tidy. This may encourage some new growth, to.

Common Pests and Problems

Dragons breath is relatively pest-resistant, but a few issues can pop up.

Potential Pests

Aphids: These small sap-suckers can cluster on new growth. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: More common in hot, dry conditions. Look for fine webbing and stippled leaves. Increase humidity and hose down plants.
Slugs and Snails: They might nibble on young, tender plants. Use organic slug bait or traps if needed.

Disease Prevention

The main disease threat is fungal, often caused by wet conditions.

Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure soil drains well and let it dry slightly between waterings.
Powdery Mildew: Appears as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation, water at the base, and avoid overhead watering.
Leaf Spot: Fungal spots on foliage. Remove affected leaves and avoid getting the foliage wet.

Design Ideas and Companions

The bold color of dragons breath plants makes them a fantastic design element. Here’s how to use them effectively.

In Garden Beds and Borders

Use it as a thriller in the middle or back of a border. Its height and color provide a strong focal point. It pairs brilliantly with plants that have contrasting foliage or flowers.

Silver-leaved plants like Dusty Miller or Artemisia.
Bright greens like Sweet Potato Vine ‘Marguerite’ or ornamental grasses.
Cool-colored flowers like purple Salvia, blue Ageratum, or white Alyssum.

In Containers and Pots

It’s a superstar in container gardens. Its upright, mounding habit fills large pots beautifully.

Combine it with trailing plants like ivy or creeping jenny for a “thriller, filler, spiller” effect. A single dragons breath plant can be a stunning solo statement in a pot by itself, too.

As a Seasonal Highlight

Because of its autumnal color, it’s a perfect transition plant from summer into fall. Pair it with pumpkins, ornamental kale, and fall mums for a seamless seasonal display that lasts for months.

Overwintering and Propagation

In most areas, dragons breath is an annual. But you can try to save it or create new plants.

Taking Cuttings

You can propagate new plants from cuttings before frost arrives.

Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot.
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful).
Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a moist, soilless potting mix.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create humidity and place in bright, indirect light.
Roots should develop in a few weeks. You can then grow it as a houseplant in a sunny window until spring.

Saving Seeds

You can collect seeds from your plants at the end of the season.

Allow a few flower heads to fully dry and turn brown on the plant. Cut them off and rub them gently over a paper bag to release the tiny black seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in a labeled envelope for planting next year. Note that saved seeds may not come true to the parent plant if it’s a hybrid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are dragons breath plants perennials?

They are tender perennials in tropical climates (USDA zones 10-11). In most other regions, they are grown as annuals because they cannot survive freezing temperatures.

How tall do dragons breath celosia get?

Typically, they grow to about 24 inches in height and spread 12-18 inches wide. This makes them a good mid-height plant for borders.

Is dragons breath poisonous to pets?

Celosia is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. However, it’s always best to discourage pets from chewing on any ornamental plants.

Why is my dragons breath plant turning green?

Insufficient sunlight is the most common cause. The intense red color develops best in full sun. Too much nitrogen fertilizer can also cause excessive green growth.

Can you grow dragons breath indoors?

Yes, you can grow it as a houseplant if you have a very sunny south-facing window. It needs several hours of direct indoor light to maintain its color. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage.

Do deer eat dragons breath plants?

Fortunately, deer tend to avoid dragons breath celosia. The texture and taste are not appealing to them, making it a good choice for deer-prone gardens.

Troubleshooting Quick Guide

Leggy, stretched plants: Not enough sun. Move to a sunnier location.
Faded leaf color: Needs more direct sunlight. Check fertilizer type; avoid high nitrogen.
Yellowing lower leaves: Often a sign of overwatering. Let soil dry out more between waterings.
Wilting in dry soil: Underwatering. Water deeply and check soil moisture more frequently.
White powder on leaves: Powdery mildew. Improve air flow, avoid wetting foliage.
Plant collapses at base: Likely stem or root rot from soggy soil. Ensure proper drainage.

Growing dragons breath plants is a rewarding way to add a dramatic, fiery accent to your outdoor space. With its simple needs for sun, well-drained soil, and modest watering, it delivers an exceptional performance for months on end. Whether you use it as a bold centerpiece or a vibrant complement to other plants, its guaranteed to be a conversation starter in your garden. Remember to plant it after the last frost, give it plenty of room to shine, and enjoy the spectacular show it puts on from summer straight through fall.