Bright Blooms for Sunny Spots: Cosmos from the Americas

Cosmos come from tropical areas of the Americas, mainly Mexico, and show off the bright, clear colors of that region. Blooms come in many forms—single, double, crested, frilled—and plants fit easily into a range of garden spaces.

Plant en masse for a huge hit of color, or mix with other plants for a softer look. Use taller types for middle or back of borders. Smaller varieties like the Sonata strain are perfect for pots.

The most commonly available types are annual Cosmos bipinnatus, but watch for annual C. sulphureus (yellow cosmos) and perennial C. astrosanguineus (chocolate cosmos). All make good cut flowers.

Quick Facts

• Color: Shades of pink, white, rose, lavender, purple, crimson, orange, yellow, and chocolate. Flowers 1½–4 inches wide; bloom summer into fall.
• Height: Annual cosmos can reach 8 ft, but most top out at 3–4 ft.
• Planting and Care: Full sun (6–8 hours daily), moderate water. Plant annuals in late spring or summer; perennials spring through fall.
• Companions: Alyssum, dahlias, helichrysum, artemisia, Nigella, phlox, sunflowers, bells-of-Ireland, petunias, zinnias.