Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos)

Highly sought after, Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos) is a tuberous perennial boasting chocolate-scented, velvety deep crimson flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), from mid-summer to fall.

Highly sought after, Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos) is a tuberous perennial boasting chocolate-scented, velvety deep crimson flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), from mid-summer to fall. Its pinnately divided leaves are often lobed at the base and are attached to the stems by winged petioles. Fairly pest-free and low maintenance, add this charming and graceful plant to the landscape, and you will be rewarded with scores of hummingbirds and butterflies. This profuse bloomer creates a striking visual impact in the garden and looks particularly outstanding when combined with ornamental grasses such as Agrostis nebulosa or Stipa tenuissima. It is also a wonderful plant to have in containers where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

  • Grows up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) high and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Dry soils are tolerated. This plant is fairly drought tolerant. Mulch in fall.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • An ideal addition to beds and borders, containers, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens.
  • Always remove the spent flowers promptly for continued blooms.
  • Propagate by taking basal cuttings in early spring and providing bottom heat.
  • If you have doubts about the plant's survival over winter, you may dig the tuber, once the foliage has died back. Cut the stems back to within 2 inches (5 cm) of the tubers, and store them in slightly moist peat moss in a frost-free place.
  • Native to Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 11

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Cosmos
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage