About
Cosmos bipinnatus Bright Lights ('Bright Lights') is an upright, bushy annual that can reach heights of up to 90 cm. Its foliage consists of finely divided, fern-like leaves. Throughout the summer and autumn months, it produces prominent flowers measuring 5-7 cm across, which can be single or semi-double in form. The petals are slightly pleated and come in a mix of yellow, light orange, deep orange, and red hues.
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, Clay, 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
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering season
- Propagation
- See sowing seeds indoors
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and slugs
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds