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Annual Biennial

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pied Piper'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cosmea 'Pied Piper'

A tall annual, to 1m, with very fine, feathery foliage and flowers in summer and autumn with quilled petals around a bright golden centre. Among the colours available are 'Red' with dark pink petals, silvery pink on the reverse and creamy 'Blush White'

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

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cosmos can be annuals or perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large, long-stalked daisy-like flowers in summer

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Suited to annual or cut-flower borders or as a summer infill

Propagation

See sowing seeds indoors

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

Deadhead to prolong the flowering season

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Get involved

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