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Plant Selector Guide
Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmos, Mexican Aster)

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Plant Type: Annual
Uses: Cutting Bed, Borders, Bedding
Propagation: Seeds
Habit: Upright
Light: Full Sun
Flower Color: Various
Blooms: Summer
Width: .75 - 1 ft.
Height: 1 - 10 ft.
Fertility: Moderately Rich
Soil: Neutral, Moist, Well-drained
Zone: 1 - 11

Half-hardy Annual. This native from Mexico can grow as high as 10 feet, depending on the cultivar you choose. Flower colors are available in a myriad of hues including pink, white, gold, yellow, orange, red or crimson. Single or double blooms and early or late blooming are more choices when planning for this versatile annual. The plants grow rapidly and the flowers bloom from early summer until frost. The foliage is delicate and feathery. Easy to grow in dry and infertile soils. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Seeds can also be sown in autumn. Seedlings transplant easily. The plants may require staking to remain upright if the site is windy. They grow so tall making them a valuable plants for back of garden beds and borders. They produce graceful and long-lasting cut flowers. Perennial varieties include C. atrosanguineus (Black Cosmos), a maroon colored flower; propagate by cuttings, division or seed. In warm areas, tubers may overwinter if heavily mulched.