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I first spotted Celosia ‘Tornado Red’ blooming in a test garden last year. The flowers are comb-type and huge. This summer I grew some plants that I sprouted from seed.
My only complaint with ‘Tornado Red’ is that those eye-catching flowers get so top-heavy that they topple over in wind or rain. Even after I staked my plants they always found a way to lean or fall over completely. I was propping them up all summer. I don’t have any full sun in my yard, so in their defense they may grow sturdier with more light.
‘Tornado Red’ grows 16 to 24 inches tall with dark pinkish-red flowers that can be used in dried arrangements. The 6-inch-plus flowers are certainly a conversation piece.