Overview
Cosmos sulphureus is a plant with a upright, bushy, clump-forming habit in the genus Cosmos, part of the Asteraceae family, with feathery, finely dissected foliage. Cosmos sulphureus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include bedding, borders, containers and cut flowers. It is native to Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southwest, Guatemala, Mexico Southeast, Guyana, Mexico Northwest and Colombia.
About
Cosmos sulphureus is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family Asteraceae, also known as sulfur cosmos and yellow cosmos. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, and naturalized in other parts of North and South America as well as in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cosmos sulphureus
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)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cosmos
- 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
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cosmos sulphureus size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Upright, Bushy, Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Feathery, Finely dissected
- Suggested uses
- Bedding, Borders, Containers, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southwest, Guatemala, Mexico Southeast, Guyana, Mexico Northwest, Colombia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cosmos sulphureus
- Propagation
- Seed sowing indoors in March or April, direct sowing outdoors in May
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cosmos sulphureus?
Cosmos sulphureus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cosmos sulphureus need?
Cosmos sulphureus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cosmos sulphureus hardy in the UK?
Cosmos sulphureus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Cosmos sulphureus?
Seed sowing indoors in March or April, direct sowing outdoors in May.
