Chocolate Cosmos - Cosmos atrosanguineus

These bold, deep burgundy blooms flower above a mat of bright green foliage. Half-hardy in the UK down to -5°C.

The deep, chocolatey shade of these blooms lends their velvety appearance a stately, unshakeable appearance. The unusual colour adds a bold, beautiful and unusual shade to your garden. On top of this, they add a delicious scent of vanilla and hot chocolate to your garden. They are also bred to be hardier than other Cosmos flowers, so in the right spot in your garden can come back year after year! These flowers look great in your garden and as cut flowers if you bring them indoors! Add these sophisticated, velvety blooms to your home and garden and they will reward you with bloom after bloom.

Scientific Name
Cosmos atrosanguineus (dark blood-red orderly plant)

Common Name
Chocolate cosmos, Black Cosmos, Black Dahlia

Origin
Native to Mexico

Pruning Tips
Deadhead to prolong flowering; when it's coming to the end of the season, let it go to seed to feed the birds!

Wildlife Value
Supplies nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies (such as the Monarch butterfly), moths and other pollinators. It attracts other beneficial insects and even provides seeds for birds!

Positioning
Grow in full sun; this cosmos can be in both exposed and sheltered positions, but will have a better chance in a sheltered spot over winter!

Water
This plant can be thirsty, so make sure it has plenty to drink while not being sat in a puddle!

Soil
This plant likes its soil moist but well-draining. Avoid clay-based soils.

Food
Mulch (add a layer of fertile soil or compost) in autumn to keep the soil around these plants nice and fertile.

Pet-safe
Yes- no toxicity reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!

Sprouts Top Tips
If you're in a colder area, you can lift the tubers and keep them somewhere cool and frost-free over winter. In milder areas, this isn't necessary.