This colourful annual to perennial plant has upright weak vertical stems that form a bushy habit. It has thin mid green lobed leaves and the bright white, pink to red wheel-shaped flowers appear above the foliage from summer to autumn.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Cosmos bipinnatus is naturally found in North America growing in Mexico in well drained organic rich moist fertile soils in an open to wind protected sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

Cosmos is grown for its upright habit and colourful flowers. It is planted in annual beds or along borders for its colour and is grown in small or cottage gardens. It establishes in one season and is suitable for coastal or inland regions. The flowers may be used in floral arrangements and there are many cultivars with contrasting colours available. ID 241

Cosmos(KOS-mos) bipinnatus(bi-pin-AH-tus)

'Cosmos': order; 'bipinnatus': having bipinnate leaves.

Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)     
(Compositae)
Sunflower Family