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Annual Biennial

Cosmos bipinnatus Cupcakes Mixed
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cosmea [Cupcakes Mixed]

Are erect, bushy annuals up to 90cm high, with very finely-divided green leaves and flowers from about midsummer to the first frost. The distinctive flowers, 10-12 cm across, have the outer rays fused together around the yellow centre to form a bowl; the flowers may be single or semi-double, and the outer rays may be white, pale pink, or pink with darker pink at the base

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Green Pink White Green
Autumn Green Pink White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Cosmos can be annuals or perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large, long-stalked daisy-like flowers in summer

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Sow seed in spring and plant out from early summer, at 50cm spacing, in moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

See sowing seeds indoors

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong the flowering season

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

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