Hardiness zones
Sunset All
USDA All

Landscape Use: Mixed flower garden, border, accent, mesic and oasis flower garden themes in arid climates like Phoenix, xeric elsewhere. Will used as a spring or fall annual with the capacity to over summer in moist well drained organic garden sites.

Form & Character: Herbaceous annual, bright, festive when flowering, stiff upright, tender, open and airy.

Growth Habit: Stiffly upright and vigorous, from 2' to 7' in height depending on cultivated variety.

Foliage/Texture: Opposite, variable in length, medium dark green, pinnately cut; fine texture.

Flowers & Fruits: Brilliant white to magenta ray flowers, solitary or in clusters, 2" in diameter, 8 petals, with small yellow centers; fruits are achenes.

Seasonal Color: Flowers freely throughout the warm season

Temperature: Tolerant of all but highest summer heat, will freeze to ground in coldest climates.

Light: Partial shade to full sun, avoid intense western exposures.

Soil: Well drained with some organic matter, tolerant of some alkalinity.

Watering: Regular

Pruning: Head back slightly after bloom to promote secondary blooms.

Propagation: Seed

Disease and pests: None

Additional comments: The genus Cosmos contains about 25 species of annual and perennial plant species. There are many named cultivars of variable height and flower color. Cosmos can make a warm and unassuming addition to any flower garden.