Chocolate Cosmos also called as Cosmos atrosanguineus, Bidens atrosanguinea, Cosmos diversifolius var. atrosanguineus, is a species of the Cosmos genus. It has dark purplebrown flowers with a unique chocolate fragrance and deep rich color and suitable for a sunny, exotic garden or a planting scheme based on 'hot' colours.
Chocolate Cosmos also called as Cosmos atrosanguineus, Bidens atrosanguinea, Cosmos diversifolius var. atrosanguineus, is a species of the Cosmos genus. It has dark purplebrown flowers with a unique chocolate fragrance and deep rich color and suitable for a sunny, exotic garden or a planting scheme based on 'hot' colours.
IDENTIFY CHOCOLATE COSMOS - COSMOS ATROSANGUINEUS
Chocolate Cosmos is native to Mexico. It is found in mixed pine and oak forest, at elevations of around 1800-2450 m. The species is reported almost extinct from its natural environment except for this one sterile clone.
Cosmos atrosanguineus is a herbaceous perennial plant with the bulk of the foliage clump which is about three feet tall, a tangle leaning towards the sun. The wiry stems that uphold each bloom rise from three to four feet high which is well above the foliage, with other blooms lower within the embrace of the foliage.
It begins blooming in May, picks up speed in June, and in July the clump is chock full of bobbling blooms that easily catch a breeze. It will continue to produce blooms through mild early frosts. Make sure to remove spent flower heads so the plants continue setting new buds.
Chocolate Cosmos grows 23-30” tall and has an upright but spreading habit. In recent years, several named cultivars have been introduced. Flower colors are slightly different (darker or lighter) than the species and flower size and plant height also vary.
CHOCOLATE COSMOS - COSMOS ATROSANGUINEUS CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Chocolate Cosmos likes full sun, needing at least 8 hours of intense light. It is daylength sensitive and blooms best in late summer, when days get shorter. In northern areas you may want to give them a head start by planting the tubers in pots several weeks before bringing them outdoors.
Temperature:
Cosmos atrosanguineus are winter hardy only in zones 9-11. If the plants are grown in very well-drained soil and are heavily mulched, they may survive the winter in zones 7-8. For best results, dig the tubers in fall and store them indoors for the winter where they can be kept cool and dry.
In zones 9-11, the plants will die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. Wait until late fall when the foliage has yellowed and then cut them back to the ground. In zones 4-8, dig the tubers in fall and store them indoors for the winter where they can be kept cool and dry.
Substrate and growing media:
Chocolate Cosmos prefers well drained soil with average to poor fertility with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. They are usually growing in a container. This will make it easy to give the plants a warm, sunny spot on your deck or patio. Growing in containers will also give the soil an extra boost of heat and make it easier to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the flowers up close.
Watering:
One time per week, watering deeply. They thrives in drier areas of the garden and blooming is reduced if overwatered or managed.
Fertilizer:
Do not fertilize the plant. Soil that is too nutrient rich produces plants that are weak-stemmed, late blooming and flower sparsely. Plants tend to flop over as they mature. Avoid soil that has been heavily amended with fertilizer and compost and avoid feeding the plants.
Pruning:
In autumn after the foliage has died back, reduce the stems to within 5cm (2in) of the roots. Lay in a tray of soil or compost and over-winter in a frost-free environment until early spring.
Propagation:
Chocolate Cosmos is simple and easy to grow from seed sown in the spring. Plants are grown from seed sown directly into the ground once all danger of frost has passed. Plant once the soil has warmed to 65°F. Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 70-75°F and require 7 to 14 days to germinate. At temperatures above 80°F or below 65°F seed germination is reduced. Plant seeds 1/8 inches deep. Scatter on soil surface then lightly raking them into the soil. If seeds are planted too deep, germination may be reduced. Keep the soil moist after seeding. Thinning is not really necessary though plant size is improved with more space. A plant spacing of 2 feet apart is recommended; however, cosmos spaced closer together provide support for one another or create a screen or full backdrop in the garden.
COMMENTS