Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
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

Synonyms
Cosmos 'Bright Lights'
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
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 Green
Summer Orange Red Yellow Green
Autumn Orange Red Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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

See sowing seeds indoors

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

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.