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Annual Biennial
Cosmos sulphureus
yellow cosmos
A half-hardy annual with fresh, fern-like foliage and a long flowering season. Selections are variable in height, most between 50cm and 1m, but including some dwarf forms. Flower colour is varied, in many tones of yellow, orange and red
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Genus
Cosmos can be annuals or perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large, long-stalked daisy-like flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico, C America, N S America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadheading should be carried out regularly to prolong flowering
Pests
Diseases
Grey moulds may be a problem
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