Cosmos bipinnatus Cupcakes Mixed

RHS Plant Profile
cosmea [Cupcakes Mixed]
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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