45 Beautiful Cosmos Cultivars for Your Flowerbeds

Flowers are a deep ruby red when blooms first open, maturing to a dusty rose color later in the season and averaging 3 inches across. Petals are obovate (egg-shaped) and finely textured with horizontal lines. Petal exteriors are scalloped and slightly ruffled. Central disks are bright and very attractive to pollinators.

Plant ‘Rubenza’ in a mixed border or a container with some kind of spiller around its legs. Pinch sprouts after it has three sets of leaves to encourage side growth and a bushier habit. Foliage is finely textured and very bright green. 

‘Ladybird’

	botanical name Cosmos sulphureus ‘Ladybird Dwarf’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors orange, yellow
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 12-16 inches
	hardiness zones 2-11

Brilliant in shades of orange and yellow, ‘Ladybird’ dwarf cosmos are often mistaken for marigolds in the garden. Centers are the same color as petals, which are scalloped and curve inward slightly at their perimeters. Blooms are considered semi-double in form as there are at least two layers of overlapping petals. 

Leaves are dark and olive-colored with a firm stature that resembles rosemary. As a species native to Central America, sulphureus cosmos all have great heat tolerance and prefer dry, well-draining soil that is not overly fertile. Ladybird flowers take well to cutting and look lovely in a vase but can only be expected to live for 5-7 days in water.   

‘Rosetta’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Rosetta’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors pink, blush, rose, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Featuring beautiful, semi-double flowers up to 4 inches wide, ‘Rosetta’ cosmos are flirty and feminine in any setting. Petals are rosy, pink with white stripes and sheared edges. Central disks are encircled by another set of smaller, paler petals that flip upward slightly. 

Leaves are sparse and small, radiating out from slender stems that branch whimsically like a wildflower. Deadhead spent flowers and this variety will keep blooming long into the fall. Seeds may self-sow if spent flower heads are left in place or tilled into the top layer of dirt at the end of the season.

‘Rose Bon Bon’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Rose Bon Bon’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors lavender, pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This delightful, frilly cosmos features tightly compact flowers in shades of lavender and pink. Blooms are fully double with numerous layers of small, ruffled petals encircling a green to yellow central disk. The overall effect is something akin to a carnation. 

Tall in stature, ‘Rose Bon Bon’ can reach heights of up to 4 feet and is best featured at the back of a border. Foliage is feathery and supportive along stems that are gangly and multi-branched. Consider staking them if plants will be exposed to high winds or heavy rains. Make sure soil does not hold water, as cosmos are prone to flopping and do not like wet feet.

‘Cosmic Orange’

	botanical name Cosmos sulphureus ‘Cosmic Orange’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Orange
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms on this cheerful cosmos variety are small but plentiful. Averaging 2 inches across, flowers are semi-double form with multiple layers of carrot-orange petals radiating from a prominent central disk of the same color. 

Foliage on sulphureus cosmos varieties is larger and more prominent than bipinnatus cosmos. Leaves are dark green in color and similar to a carrot or marigold leave in form. This variety has a more rounded habit and works well in the container garden or border front. ‘Cosmic Orange’ may self-sow sporadically but will not become a nuisance spreader. 

‘Pink Popsocks’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Pink Popsocks’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Dark pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 18-24 inches
	hardiness zones 2-11

Bloom types vary from single to anemone to pompon form on this precious pink cosmos cultivar. Fuschia to mauve pink petals fan out from a yellow central disc that evolves throughout the season, taking on a powderpuff shape in later months. 

Thin, thready leaves are more substantial and densely packed than other cosmos foliage. This creates a fluffy, green cushion beneath ‘Pink Popsocks’ brilliant blooms. Expect this variety to last between 5 and 7 days after cutting. 

‘Gazebo Red’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Gazebo Red’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink, red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms can be cherry pink to crimson red on this common cosmos. Petals cup inward slightly, while bright yellow centers invite bees and butterflies to the garden. At 2-3 feet, ‘Gazebo Red’s’ average height makes it a natural choice for middle border plantings.

Deadhead as soon as flower heads have faded and blooms will keep coming for the entire growing season. Stems are gangly and may benefit from staking if you’re planting in an area that will receive high winds. Leaves are finely textured and vivid green in color. 

‘Cosmic Red’

	botanical name Cosmos sulphureus ‘Cosmic Red’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Dark orange-red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are vivid and plentiful on this bold cosmos variety. Ranging in color from dark, pumpkin orange to scarlet red, flower petals radiate from prominent centers in semi-double to double layers. 

‘Cosmic Red’ has a bushy habit that will span widths of up to 18 inches naturally. Pinch young sprouts when they have at least three sets of leaves and you’ll get slightly smaller flowers that mound beautifully. Remove side branches early on and you’ll get a larger, more upright, singular cosmos on each stalk. 

‘Cosmic Yellow’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Cosmic Yellow’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Rose-pink, violet
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-5 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This cheerful cosmos charmer will soak up the sun in any garden application. Semi-double flowers are a bright lemony color and gracefully ruffled at the edges. Flowers average 2 inches in width and are plentiful when regular deadheading is performed. 

Like most cosmos, ‘Cosmic Yellow’ enjoys soil that is slightly loamy to dry and does not require much supplemental watering after it’s established. Fertilizer is not recommended for this variety, as it will encourage stems to bolt and get leggy. 

‘Radiance’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Radiance’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Burgundy, lavender
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-5 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Very tall in stature at up to 5 feet, ‘Radiance’ cosmos have large, 5-inch flowers and tall, sturdy stems. Blooms are bicolor, with burgundy and lavender-hued petals ringing bright yellow centers. Edges are scalloped, slightly ruffled, and egg-shaped. Leaves are feathery and light.

Use ‘Radiance’ at the back of a mixed bed, as flowers generally drift above the foliage, and foreground perennials will stand out against its bright green base. If you plan to cut some of these lovely blooms for an interior arrangement, wait until flower buds have begun to open slightly. 

‘Purity’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Purity’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This lovely cosmos features pristine, snow-white petals with horizontal texturing and vivid, fuzzy yellow disks. Arranged in single layers, flowers have sheared, fringy edges and average 3 inches in width. They seem to float above chartreuse green, feathery leaves and stems.

Mix ‘Purity’ in with other whites for a moon garden effect, or pair with other cosmos varieties in a mixed border. This variety’s tall stature means it will be most at home in the rear anchor spot. Seeds will be brown and easy to gather at the end of the season should you wish to store or sow them for another round next year. 

‘Psyche White’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Psyche White’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Flowers are a whimsical mix of semi-double and fully-double flowers on this lovely common cosmos variety. Exterior petals are snow white and fluffy with sheared edges. A layer of smaller interior petals encircles a prominent central disk that’s very attractive to bees and butterflies.

Foliage is threadlike and dark green. Averaging 4-7 days of vase life, ‘Psyche White’ blooms do not last a particularly long time in water, but branches have multiple buds that open over the course of a week. Deadhead diligently for beauty and to prevent seed spread. 

‘Double Take’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Double Take’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Ivory, pink, magenta
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This unique cosmos features bicolor petals with ivory to soft pink bases and dark magenta outlines. Blooms may be semi-double to fully double in form with large outer petals and smaller, more upright interior petals surrounding bright yellow centers. 

‘Double Take’ is tall in stature at 3-4 feet and offers an abundance of 4-inch blooms throughout the season. Foliage is delicate but stems are strong. Pair this cottage charmer with whites and bright yellows in a mixed border for a pretty color scheme. 

‘Antiquity’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Antiquity’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Crimson, burgundy, rose pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are small and single-layered on this multi-colored cosmos darling. Petals emerge in a rich, dark shade of burgundy but fade to a dusty pink as they mature. This gives each plant a variety of bloom colors.

Centers are gold and mounded, making ‘Antiquity’ a pollinator magnet. Due to its relatively short stature and round, bushy habit, this cultivar does well in a container or in a border front and does not need staking. Plant this cultivar with whites and yellows for a cheerful mix and give it plenty of sunshine.

‘Apricotta’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricotta’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Apricot, blush pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Prized for its unusual coloring, this cultivar has cup-shaped, single-layer blooms that are typically about 4 inches wide. Petals are soft and feminine in varying shades of apricot and salmon with splashes of true pink near their centers and at their fringy margins. Foliage is delicate and stems are multi-branched.

Plant a whole bunch of ‘Apricotta’ cosmos in the cutting garden as they look stunning in a vase. As stems are quite long, a rear border or supported location is ideal for this cultivar. Deadhead often to encourage new blooms. 

‘Cosimo Collarette’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Cosimo Collarette’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

A dwarf cosmos plant with a romantic disposition, ‘Cosimo Collarette’ sports an abundance of 2-inch, double-flower blooms in shades of lavender pink and white. A ring of smaller, more upright inner petals circles their centers and creates a wispy effect. Leaves are soft, fine, and dark green in color. 

Although this is an annual plant, you can harvest its seeds for planting next year. Gardeners in regions that do not receive frost can sow them directly into the dirt in fall. 

‘Double Click Cranberries’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Double Click Cranberries’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Burgundy, plum
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are a mix of semi-double and double forms on this eye-catching cosmos plant. Petals range from deep burgundy to a plum wine color and have fringy edges. They curve slightly upward, creating a tubular effect toward the flowers’ centers which are golden-hued and prominent. 

Each 3–4-foot plant features multiple branches with an abundance of 3-inch flowers. Plant ‘Double Click Cranberries’ with yellow cosmos varieties for a natural pairing or mix it in with some larger, white perennials for a sharp contrast. 

‘Double Click Bicolor Violet’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Antiquity’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Purple, lavender, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Each plant sends up a delightful combination of semi-double and fully double blooms in multiple shades of purple on this bicolor cosmos favorite. Petals are ruffled and tightly layered on blooms that are between 2 and 3 inches wide. Some are a rich, dark violet color, while others are white with purple edges. Some are just a soft shade of lavender with darker or lighter accents.

Install ‘Double Click Bicolor Violet’ in the cutting garden and you’ll have a diverse bouquet on every plant. Although blooms won’t last more than a week in a vase, this cultivar will always send up more flowers after it’s been cut. 

‘Rubinato’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Rubinato’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Dark red, dark pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Flowers emerge dark red and mature to a lighter, dusty rose color. Petals are velvety in texture with scalloped edges and have a single-ray form. Bright yellow centers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Foliage is wispy and soft, supporting a multitude of blooms with its shrubby, compact habit. 

Plant ‘Rubinato’ in border fronts or stand-alone containers, and pair it with yellow daylilies for a lovely contrast in color and texture. Make sure it has plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil. 

‘Diablo’

	botanical name Cosmos sulphureus ‘Diablo’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Orange, yellow
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

A perfect choice for sunny, hot locations, ‘Diablo’ offers blooms in exotic shades of orange and yellow. Petals are semi-double and often bicolor, creating a diverse palette on each plant. Leaves and stems are hairy and dark green, providing a nice contrast. Centers are rounded to oblong and very inviting to butterflies. 

Plant ‘Diablo’ in the rear border of a mixed bed or where it will get some protection from high winds. This cultivar is not only tolerant of dry soil, it prefers it. 

‘Daydream’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Daydream’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Known for being an early bloomer with a short germination time, this cultivar is a good choice for gardeners with short growing seasons who want color in the yard as soon as possible. Each plant features an abundance of single-layer, multi-color blooms with dark pink ‘eyes,’ medium pink midsections, and fringy pink or white tips. 

Plant this one en masse for a wandering, prairie flower effect, or let it stand tall at the back of a mixed bed with other pinks, whites, and yellows. 

‘Cupcakes and Saucers’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Cupcakes and Saucers’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, pink, lavender
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Each plant is a picnic of pink, white, and lavender blooms possessing a delightful, unique shape that resembles a cup and saucer. Flowers have a tight, fused outer ray of petals that curves inward to create the ‘saucer’ while frilly interior petals surround a golden center to define the ‘cup.’ 

Upper stems are multi-branched and do not have much foliage, bending and arching whimsically as they hold up these unusual blooms. As stems can get quite long and blooms are relatively heavy, this variety will benefit from staking or a sheltered location.

‘Xsenia’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Xsenia’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Peach, pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Petals on this unique cosmos are bicolor with tones of apricot and fuschia. Flowers are semi-double with overlapping and slightly ruffled petals and appear to change colors in different kinds of light. Centers are substantial and attractive.

‘Xsenia’ makes a lovely cut flower and should be snipped right when flower buds have started to unfurl. For a lively and unusual arrangement, mix them with other flowers that have peach or orange tones. 

‘Xanthos’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Xanthos’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Yellow, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Earning its name from the Greek word for blonde or yellow, ‘Xanthos’ cosmos is a sweet cottage charmer with an abundance of 2-inch, buttery blooms. Centers have black seeds on a golden central disk and are rimmed with white. Petal edges are sheared, slightly incurved, and tipped with white. 

Leaves are finely textured and dark green in color. Pinch the tops off young plants to encourage side branching and ‘Xanthos’ will behave like a small shrub. Deadhead often to keep blooms coming all season. 

‘Chocolate Cosmos’

	botanical name Cosmos astrosanguineus ‘Chocolate Cosmos’
	plant type Perennial
	bloom colors Dark red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 7-10

Native to the mountains of Mexico, this cosmos species has rhizomatous roots and returns perennially in zones 7-10. In cooler regions, it is often grown as an annual and either discarded or stored for winter at the end of the season. Flowers are a deep, dark red with a velvety texture and have a delicious, chocolatey scent from summer through Fall. 

Leaves are pinnate and slightly more substantial than other cosmos species. Some stems remain upright while others bend and nod to the weight of this cultivar’s 2-inch flowers.

The result is a whimsical mix of up-facing and down-drooping blooms. Plant ‘chocolate cosmos’ near patios and entryways so you can enjoy their wonderful fragrance. 

‘Gloria’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Gloria’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-5 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This simple beauty is very tall, averaging between 4 and 5 feet in height by the end of the season. Flowers have an ombre coloring with magenta petal bases fading to pale, lemonade pink at the edges. Centers are mounded and bright golden yellow, drawing butterflies and bees in droves. 

‘Gloria’ replenishes quickly after cutting and looks beautiful in a large cluster. Seeds are prominent and can be saved for planting next season but might not produce exact clones. 

‘Happy Ring’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Happy Ring’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This cheerful cosmos variety delivers a whole bunch of 4-5 inch, bicolor blooms on each plant. Flowers have bright yellow central disks that are ringed with pale pink and fuschia. Petals are single-form and vertically feathered, which makes it look like they have alternating stripes of light and dark pink.

Although they will not last more than a week in water, ‘Happy Ring’ will keep producing beautiful blooms after cutting. Foliage is light green and feathery, giving this cultivar a soft base that perfectly complements its multiple shades of pink. 

‘Cupcake White’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Cupcake White’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are both single and semi-double form on this brilliant cosmos cultivar.  Each has an outer layer with tightly fused petals that have an accordion texture and resemble a cupcake liner. Some have an additional cluster of petals encircling a vivid yellow center. 

‘Cupcake white’ thrives in hot, sunny locations and can be paired with just about any perennial or annual flower for a crisp contrast. Its leaves are thready and resemble those on an asparagus fern. Stake in locations that will experience strong winds or heavy rains. 

‘Versailles Tetra Red’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Versailles Tetra Red’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Dark red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

A study in classic beauty, ‘Versailles Tetra Red’ cosmos have simple, single-layer blooms in shades of dark crimson. Petals are egg-shaped and slightly textured, fanning out like a daisy. Prominent golden centers draw pollinators to the garden and provide a lovely contrast. 

This cultivar looks natural in a prairie setting as well as a controlled landscape. Pinch young sprouts when they are about 5 inches tall and this cultivar will have a round, shrubby habit that also works well in a container garden. 

‘Velouette’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Velouette’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Red, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are cherry red with white stripes on this stunning bicolor cosmos. Petal colors become lighter as they age, creating a spray of flowers with varying intensities. Stems are multi-branched and very floriferous. Blooms will keep coming if faded flowers are promptly deadheaded. 

Easy to grow and tolerant of dry, imperfect soil, ‘Velouette’ will dazzle in a large meadow but can also be worked into a mixed border. Pair with bold yellows and bright pinks for a show-stopping arrangement. 

‘Sonata Mix’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sonata Mix’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, pink, magenta
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms can be bright pink, white, or soft pink in this multicolor cosmos mix. Centers are small but intensely yellow. An abundance of 2–3-inch flowers floats atop a bushy arrangement of fern-like foliage on each plant. Stems are strong and heavily branched.

Short in stature at less than 2 feet, ‘Sonata mix’ cosmos look great in a border location. Their diversely colored blooms also make them an obvious choice for the cutting garden. 

‘Double Click Snow Puff’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Double Click Snow Puff’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Featuring frilly white flowers in double and semi-double form, ‘Snow Puff’ is distinctly feminine and cheerful in the landscape. Petals are fringed, slightly tubular, and densely arranged around a sunny yellow center. Foliage is wispy and true green, creating a soft cushion beneath a bounty of blooms. 

‘Snow Puff’ is a natural choice for white-themed gardens but also pairs well with just about everything. Plant it in the middle or rear border and front it with something low spreading for a nice layered effect.

‘White Knight’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘White Knight’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, blush
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Flowers are fully double on this ruffled white cosmos variety. They fade to blush pink as they mature, creating a delicate bicolor effect. ‘White Knight’ takes a while to produce flowers, so it’s best suited for gardeners with slightly longer growing seasons. 

To enjoy this variety in a vase, cut stems when flower buds are just beginning to open. Change the vase water every day and they should last for about a week. Plants will be stimulated by the harvest and should keep sending up flowers long into the fall. 

‘Sea Shells Mix’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sea Shells Mix’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, pink, rose
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-5 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

‘Sea Shells’ cosmos are appreciated for their unusual fluted petals, extra-tall stature, and pretty mix of colors. Blooming in shades of pink, white, and dark rose, flowers average 3 inches wide and are plentiful. 

Leaves are fine and stems are extra long. Pinch plants when they are young to encourage side branching and ‘Sea Shells’ will behave like a shrub. Let them bolt and you will have a handful of tall, large flowers well-suited to the rear border. 

‘Candy Stripe’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Candy Stripe’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, magenta
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-5 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are large and single-form on this cheerful two-toned cosmos cultivar, averaging 3-4 inches across. Petals are primarily white but striped and edged with magenta. Centers are golden yellow and particularly attractive to pollinator bees.  

Deadhead often to encourage prolific flowering. Seeds are black and easy to spot should you want to collect them for planting next year. Stems are long at 3-5 feet and should be staked if plants will be exposed to high winds or heavy rains. 

‘Bright Lights’

	botanical name Cosmos sulphureus ‘Bright Lights’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Orange
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

‘Bright Lights’ features 2-3 inch, semi-double blooms in varying shades of orange. Centers are also orange, creating a monochrome effect. Leaves are thready and soft, offering a lush green base that contrasts nicely with this cultivar’s bold flowers.

Plant ‘Bright Lights’ with catmint, salvia, or other purple perennials for a complementary color combination. Use it in a container garden on a hot patio as it will tolerate a good deal of neglect and relatively dry soil. 

‘Apricot Lemonade’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Peach, pink, yellow
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Soft and sweet in pastel shades of yellow, peach, and pink, this variety delivers an abundance of blooms throughout the season. Petals are layered in a single array, fanning out around sunny centers. 

‘Apricot Lemonade’ has strong stems, fine foliage, and a shrubby habit that can sprawl up to 2 feet wide. It can be used as an anchor plant in a mixed bed or a standalone bouquet in a container. Make sure it gets plenty of sunshine and has good drainage. 

‘Cupcakes Blush’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Cupcakes Blush’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

This sweet, romantic cosmos produces 5-inch flowers in shades of blush pink and white. Resembling a cupcake liner, outer petals are fused and pleated like a fan or an accordion. They curve inward like a cup or bowl. Some have a second interior layer of petals that ruffle whimsically around golden centers. 

Stems are multi-branched and somewhat rambling, offering blooms that are both upward-facing and nodding on the same plant. Use ‘Cupcakes Blush’ in the cutting garden for a season-long supply of this cottage charmer. 

‘Double Click Bicolor Rose’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Double Click Bicolor Rose’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink, salmon, rose
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Double flowers have a mix of fluted and non-fluted petals in shades of rosy pink, salmon, and white on this delightful cosmos cultivar. Common in wedding bouquets, Bicolor Rose has a distinctly feminine, romantic personality.

While flowers do not last a particularly long time in the vase, averaging 4-5 days of quality color, plants do replenish quickly after cutting. Keep some by the back door so you can snip a handful whenever you need a pick-me-up. 

‘Sensation Pinkie’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sensation Pinkie’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Lavender
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Simple in color and form, ‘Sensation Pinkie’ features single-form blooms in shades of lavender and rose. Stems are multi-branched and rounded in habit with flowers covering the exterior. Classic yellow centers are ringed with a darker pink ‘eye’ that attracts birds and butterflies.

Since it’s quite tall at 3-4 feet, plant Pinkie in the rear border behind white, purple, or orange perennials that have a lower profile. This cultivar should not require staking if it is tucked in with other flowers and shrubs.

‘Sensation Picotee’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sensation Picotee’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors White, hot pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Flowers are single-form and have true white petals with bright pink edging. Tips are scalloped and curve inward slightly. Color intensity will vary at different blooming stages, with newly opened flowers being bold and fading flowers being pale. The result is a lovely mix of pinks on the same plant.

‘Sensation Picotee’ has winding stems and gets quite tall. It will thrive with minimal care in the dog days of summer when many other annuals can’t handle the heat. 

‘Sonata Carmine’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sonata Carmine’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Ruby red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

A dwarf by cosmos standards, ‘Sonata Carmine’ features ruby red blooms in single form with prominent central disks. Petals are darker at the base, have sheared edges, and are relatively flat. Foliage is bushy and resembles the leaves of a carrot. 

Plant this cultivar in a sunny border or mix it into a container with other heat-loving annuals. Like most cosmos, Sonata Carmine is rarely bothered by pests and disease as long as it’s planted in well-draining soil. 

‘Dazzler’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Dazzler’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Crimson
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Vivid gold centers and crimson red, single-layer blooms are pollinator magnets on this common cosmos variety. You can expect the butterflies to frequent your gardens when ‘Dazzler’ is prominently featured. 

At 3-4 feet, plant height is substantial, making this cultivar a perfect anchor or backdrop plant. Smaller annuals and perennials in hues of pink and yellow will make wonderful foreground companions for ‘Dazzler’ in a mixed bed. 

‘Fizzy Pink’

	botanical name Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Fizzy Pink’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Blooms are frilly and feminine on this double bloom, baby pink cosmos. Outer petals have sheared tips and are substantial and densely layered. Inner petals are smaller and more ovate, standing upright as they surround sunny yellow central disks.

Resembling carnations, ‘Fizzy Pink’ cosmos look beautiful in a vase. Although cut blooms will last less than a week in water, the mother plant will continue to produce flowers until cold temperatures move in. 

‘Tango’

	botanical name Cosmos sulphureus ‘Tango’
	plant type Annual
	bloom colors Orange
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 2-11

Averaging 3-4 feet tall and wide, this cosmos cultivar behaves more like a shrub than an annual flower. With a rounded habit and a dense branching pattern, ‘Tango’ offers a multitude of small but bold flowers in shades of carrot, pumpkin, and tangerine orange. 

Native to the mountains of Mexico, ‘Tango’ looks at home in an open area with lots of sunshine. But it will also dazzle in a large pot on the patio. Although this is technically an annual plant, gardeners in warm regions can turn plants over into the soil and seeds will self-sow.