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Annual Biennial
Cosmos bipinnatus Bright Lights ('Bright Lights') (mixed) (d)
cosmea Bright Lights mixed
Upright, bushy, half-hardy annuals to 90cm, with divided, fern-like leaves. In summer and autumn produce showy, 5-7cm, single or semi-double flowers with slightly pleated petals in yellow, light orange, deep orange and red

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
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
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- 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
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering season
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
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