Cosmos bipinnatus

HISTORY
Originally found in Mexico, its name comes from the Greek word meaning “ordered universe” for how balanced the simple blooms appear. These early flowering cosmos became all the rage in the early 1920s when all the older varieties didn’t bloom until fall.

HABIT
A summer-blooming annual for sunny locations. Mixes well in a wildflower meadow. Airy blossoms come in all shades of deep pink to white. Grows 2–3 feet tall and makes a nice cut flower.

CULTURE
Sow seed indoors 4 weeks before last frost or sow seeds directly outdoors in late spring. Cover seeds with 1/8 inch of fine soil. Adapts well to poor, dry conditions once established.