Cosmos is a sophisticated plant, much admired in horticultural circles. The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show in 2018 featured a display of thousands of the Cosmos flower plants to welcome visitors, an eye-catching sight indeed.
Members of the daisy family, the largest plant family in the world, they are very attractive to pollinating insects. See more information on pollinators.
The most widely grown Cosmos plants tend to be pink. These soften borders and add height in-between roses and other herbaceous plants. The 'Sonata' series has been awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit and although growing to 60cm is considered a dwarf Cosmos.
Many Cosmos are native to Mexico & South America and prefer a sunny, well drained position. They are believed to take their name from the Greek meaning harmony and order - so a guaranteed harmonious addition to any garden.
'Tip Top Picotee' is one of the tallest Cosmos available and has stunning pink edged single white flowers which really stand out. Not as well known, but yellows and oranges are also available. New to Suttons is 'Mandarin' - very compact and displaying the most vibrant orange continuous flowers. This one is perfect for a pot!
To finish off, you can't do better than some calorie free chocolate therapy and Cosmos 'Choca Mocha' is a deep burgundy brown daisy with the most delicious chocolate scent. This one is a tender perennial, so cut back after flowering and place pot inside in the winter before taking outside again once frosts have passed in the spring for another year of botanical chocolate appreciation.
How do you take care of a cosmos plant?
- Taller varieties will require some support, especially in exposed spots
- Feeding is not generally necessary
- Regularly deadhead to encourage repeat flowering & maximise blooms
- When cutting faded flowers, cut the stem just above the leaf joint below rather than just snipping off the head
Where to grow Cosmos plants?
- Cosmos plants need full sun to perform at their best
- Well-drained soil is needed with the best results from light, poorer soil
- Dwarf varieties do well in containers
Buy Cosmos Plants and Cosmos Plug Plants from Suttons
