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Annual Biennial

Cosmos bipinnatus Cupcakes Mixed
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cosmea [Cupcakes Mixed]

Are erect, bushy annuals up to 90cm high, with very finely-divided green leaves and flowers from about midsummer to the first frost. The distinctive flowers, 10-12 cm across, have the outer rays fused together around the yellow centre to form a bowl; the flowers may be single or semi-double, and the outer rays may be white, pale pink, or pink with darker pink at the base

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Green Pink White Green
Autumn Green Pink White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Sow seed in spring and plant out from early summer, at 50cm spacing, in moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

See sowing seeds indoors

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong the flowering season

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Get involved

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