Overview
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' is a plant with a upright habit in the genus Cosmos, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers, containers and cottage gardens.
About
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' is an upright member of the Asteraceae that flowers from July to October. It has deciduous foliage and prefers full sun on well‑drained neutral loam or sand in a south‑facing, sheltered spot. Classified H4 (average hardy) for the UK, it is suited to borders, containers, cottage gardens and for use as cut flowers. Plant in groups to improve shelter and extend the display through the season.
About the genus
Cosmos is a genus, with the same common name of cosmos, consisting of flowering plants in the daisy family.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cosmos (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cosmos (plant)
In the garden
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' belongs to the genus Cosmos in the daisy family and derives from a species native to the Americas. The cultivar provides a sustained display between July and October, making it useful for late-summer and autumn colour. Place the plants in a sunny, south-facing position with some shelter from strong winds; full sun and a sheltered aspect support longer flowering. Rooting into neutral, well‑drained loam or sandy soils is ideal—avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The label H4 indicates average garden hardiness in the UK, so choose a protected spot in colder sites or grow in containers that can be moved when severe weather threatens. Where space allows, use Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' in mixed borders, cottage-style beds and containers, or sow in a dedicated cutting patch for vase work. Its upright habit suits it to background or mid-border positions where stems are easy to harvest. Expect a continuous run of blooms from July to October, which also makes it practical for regular cutting to bring colour indoors.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cosmos
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cut flowers, containers, cottage gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade'
- Propagation
- Seed, self-seeding
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade'?
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' need?
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' hardy in the UK?
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Cosmos bipinnatus 'Lemonade'?
Seed, self-seeding.
