About

This tuberous perennial reaches a height of 30 cm and is more compact than the typical species, featuring a pronounced chocolate aroma. The leaves are narrow with a bluish-green hue, while the flowers, which bloom in late summer, are bowl-shaped and exhibit a dark brownish-red coloration.

About the genus

Cosmos comprises both annual and perennial species characterized by either simple or pinnately divided foliage. These plants produce sizable, long-stemmed flowers resembling daisies during the summer months.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch in autumn; in cold areas lift tubers before first frosts and keep frost-free over winter
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Propagation
See sowing seeds indoors
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to foot rot and grey moulds