Product description
Cosmos atrosanguineus, the chocolate cosmos, is a tender, highly sophisticated tuberous perennial that produces deep velvety maroon-chocolate flowers hovering on dark, wiry stems. It is the undisputed champion of the sensory garden, projecting a heavy, mouth-watering fragrance of rich dark chocolate and warm vanilla that acts as a massive draw for late-season butterflies.
Unlike dry-loving herbs, this diva demands to be planted in deep, highly cultivated, fertile loam that holds consistent moisture to fuel its rapid upward growth. Always direct your watering strictly at the base to avoid inviting powdery mildew onto the foliage. Because this plant is completely tender and lacks the genetics to survive a hard freeze, you must dig the tuber up at the end of the season and store it somewhere dark and dry until the warmth returns.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Mexican Aster
Cosmos atrosanguineus
Cosmos atrosanguineus
Product description
Cosmos atrosanguineus, the chocolate cosmos, is a tender, highly sophisticated tuberous perennial that produces deep velvety maroon-chocolate flowers hovering on dark, wiry stems. It is the undisputed champion of the sensory garden, projecting a heavy, mouth-watering fragrance of rich dark chocolate and warm vanilla that acts as a massive draw for late-season butterflies.
Unlike dry-loving herbs, this diva demands to be planted in deep, highly cultivated, fertile loam that holds consistent moisture to fuel its rapid upward growth. Always direct your watering strictly at the base to avoid inviting powdery mildew onto the foliage. Because this plant is completely tender and lacks the genetics to survive a hard freeze, you must dig the tuber up at the end of the season and store it somewhere dark and dry until the warmth returns.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Siting Cosmos atrosanguineus directly next to a garden bench is the best way to enjoy its incredible chocolate-vanilla fragrance. Because it is highly frost-sensitive, you must dig up the tuber before the first hard frost and store it somewhere dry and dark. Plucking off the dying maroon blooms will keep the display going relentlessly right up until the weather finally turns.
How to Water
Drench the planting hole thoroughly to wake the dormant tuber of Cosmos atrosanguineus and trigger its upward growth. Keep the earth consistently moist but never soggy throughout the peak heat of the growing months. Always direct the water at the base, as wet foliage will quickly invite devastating powdery mildew.
How to Plant
Plant Cosmos atrosanguineus exclusively in a sun-drenched spot featuring deeply cultivated, highly fertile loam. You must wait until all danger of frost has completely passed before placing the tender tuber into the ground. Bury the crown just below the soil surface to protect it from sudden temperature drops.
