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 |
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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 |