Cosmos

Cosmos

* photos taken on Oct 22 2013 in Towson, MD

* photo of unknown internet source

Cosmos bipinnatus
A stately annual, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 6 feet, that is native to Mexico.
The finely-cut leaves, up to 10 inches long, are bright green.
The flowers, up to 3 inches wide, are white, pink or red with a yellow center.
It thrives in temperate or subtropical climates in full sun on light, well drained soils. It prefers hot summers. Aphids may be a problem in some regions. Deadheading old blooms may extend the flowering season.

* photo taken on Oct 1 2016 in Columbia, MD

* cosmos in Amherstburg, ON

* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* historical archive photo

Cosmos sulfureus
An annual, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 4 feet.
The leaves, up to 12 inches in length, are coarser than Cosmos bipinnatus.
The flowers, up to 3 inches wide, are typically yellow or red.
It thrives in temperate or subtropical climates in full sun on light, well drained soils. It prefers hot summers. Aphids may be a problem in some regions. Deadheading old blooms may extend the flowering season.

'Bright Lights'
Shorter and more compact in habit, bearing yellow, orange or scarlet-red flowers.

'Diablo'
Scarlet-red flowers. 'Klondyke' Orange, double flowers. 'Psyche' The white to red flowers are semi-double. 'Sunset' The intense orange-red flowers are semi-double.