Description
Cosmos bipinnatus | Garden Cosmos ‘Rubenza’
Garden Cosmos, also known as Mexican Aster, are warm-weather annual flowers native to Mexico. They have fine-textured leaves and single flowers that float atop wiry stems that sway in the breeze. The ‘Rubenza’ variety brings to mind the deep red accent color in works by the Flemish painter, Rubens. Blooms start out ruby red and as time passes they fade to a nice shade of antique rose/reddish-purple. Plants reach 24 to 32 inches in height and are early to bloom, opening their first buds in 75 to 90 days.
Attracts pollinators. Deer resistant.
Cosmos do best when direct-sown outdoors after the last frost, but can be started early indoors, too. Will grow in hot sun and poor soil, and withstand drought conditions. Only water during extreme drought. Prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Reseeds easily.
Makes exceptional cut flowers.
Rubenza has won not one, but two awards; one Fleuroselect Novelty Award in 2008, and an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 2016!
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 24-32 inches
Mature width: 12-24 inches
Hardiness zones: 2-11