Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos)

Highly sought after, Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos) is a tuberous perennial boasting chocolate-scented, velvety deep crimson flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), from mid-summer to fall. Its pinnately divided leaves are often lobed at the base and are attached to the stems by winged petioles. Fairly pest-free and low maintenance, add this charming and graceful plant to the landscape, and you will be rewarded with scores of hummingbirds and butterflies. This profuse bloomer creates a striking visual impact in the garden and looks outstanding when combined with ornamental grasses such as Agrostis nebulosa or Stipa tenuissima. It is also a wonderful plant in containers where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

• Grows up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) high and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Performs best in full sun, in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Dry soils are tolerated. This plant is fairly drought-tolerant. Mulch in fall.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• An ideal addition to beds and borders, containers, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens.
• Always remove the spent flowers promptly for continued blooms.
• Propagate by taking basal cuttings in early spring and providing bottom heat.
• If you have doubts about the plant’s survival over winter, you may dig the tuber, once the foliage has died back. Cut the stems back to within 2 inches (5 cm) of the tubers, and store them in slightly moist peat moss in a frost-free place.
• Native to Mexico.