Cosmos flowers are a gardener’s favorite, known for their delicate blooms, feathery foliage, and easy-growing nature. Originating from Mexico and Central America, these flowers add vibrant color, texture, and charm to any garden. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, create eye-catching borders, or grow cut flowers, cosmos flowers are an excellent choice.
Let’s explore 20 stunning types of cosmos flowers to inspire your next garden project.
Popular Types of Cosmos Flowers
King’s Salad (Cosmos caudatus)
King’s Salad, or Cosmos caudatus, is a unique species prized for its edible leaves and tropical flair. Native to Central and South America, it was introduced to Southeast Asia, where its leaves are used in salads with a mango-like flavor. This variety grows over 6 feet tall, producing clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers on light green stems with a purple tint. King’s Salad thrives in warm climates and adds an exotic touch to edible and ornamental gardens alike.
Cosmos ‘Sonata’ Series
The Cosmos ‘Sonata’ Series offers compact, versatile plants perfect for small spaces or containers. These annuals grow up to 24 inches tall and form clumps 15 inches wide. Their flowers, measuring up to 3 inches, come in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, with golden yellow centers. Thriving in USDA Zones 2 to 11, this series blooms from summer to fall and is a magnet for pollinators. Ideal for creating low-maintenance displays, the ‘Sonata’ Series is a charming choice for patios, borders, or flower beds.
Cosmos ‘Klondyke’
Cosmos ‘Klondyke’ is a vibrant cultivar derived from Cosmos sulphureus. Its fiery orange or yellow semi-double flowers, paired with delicate feathery green leaves, make it a garden favorite. These annuals grow up to 35 inches tall and 16 inches wide, forming compact, eye-catching clumps. Blooming from July to October, their saucer-shaped flowers provide a perfect landing spot for pollinators like bees and butterflies. With their cheerful hues and ability to thrive in sunny locations, ‘Klondyke’ is a stunning addition to borders or pollinator-friendly gardens.
Cosmos ‘Double Click’ Series
The Cosmos ‘Double Click’ Series offers elegant semi-double and double blooms in mixed shades of pink, red, and white. Derived from Cosmos bipinnatum, these annuals grow up to 4 feet tall and form clumps about 2 feet wide. They are ideal for USDA Zones 2 to 11 and thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Flowering from early summer until fall, they add texture and volume to garden beds, particularly at the back of borders. Their romantic blooms make them perfect for cutting gardens or floral arrangements.
Cosmos ‘Picotee’
Cosmos ‘Picotee’ is a striking variety characterized by its large white flowers adorned with dark pink edges. Its golden yellow central florets add a vibrant contrast. Growing between 3 and 4 feet tall, this annual variety is a standout in mixed borders or wildflower gardens. Blooming from early summer until the first frost, ‘Picotee’ is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a hardy and reliable choice. Its dramatic coloration brings a touch of elegance and charm to any garden.
Cosmos ‘Sensation’ Series
The ‘Sensation’ Series is a breathtaking collection of tall cosmos varieties, offering single flowers in bold shades of pink, red, and white. Reaching heights of up to 4 feet and spreading about 2 feet wide, these annuals are excellent for filling larger garden spaces. Derived from Cosmos bipinnatum, they bloom from early summer to early fall. Their vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, making them a must-have for pollinator-friendly gardens. These graceful plants add a natural, wildflower aesthetic to landscapes.
Cosmos ‘Versailles’ Series
The Cosmos ‘Versailles’ Series, also called ‘Versailles Tetra,’ is known for its dramatic, vividly colored flowers. These pink blooms feature dark pink or reddish-pink rings surrounding yellow central florets. Growing up to 3 feet tall, this cultivar thrives as an annual in USDA Zones 2 to 11. Flowering from early summer to the first frost, it creates a dense display of blossoms that bring elegance and vibrancy to any garden. Its striking hues and classic feathery foliage make it a standout choice.
Cosmos ‘Candy Stripe’
Cosmos ‘Candy Stripe’ dazzles with bi-colored petals, featuring elegant white blooms edged with dark pink or pinkish-red. The golden yellow central florets add to its charm. Derived from Cosmos bipinnatum, these annuals grow between 2.5 and 5 feet tall and spread up to 2 feet wide. Flowering from early summer until the first frosts, ‘Candy Stripe’ brings a cheerful and whimsical touch to borders or flower arrangements. Its eye-catching patterns make it a delightful addition to colorful garden displays.
Cosmos ‘Cupcakes Blush’
Cosmos ‘Cupcakes Blush’ is a unique cultivar with semi-double flowers that have fused petals, resembling a cupcake wrapper. Initially white, the blooms transition to rosy pink within a few days, creating a dynamic visual effect. These flowers can grow up to 5 inches wide, offering a dramatic and ornamental touch. This annual variety grows up to 4 feet tall and spreads about 2 feet wide. Originating from Cosmos bipinnatum, it blooms from early summer through fall, adding elegance and intrigue to garden beds and floral arrangements.
Cosmos ‘Diablo’
Cosmos ‘Diablo’ is a fiery cultivar derived from Cosmos sulphureus. Known for its intense orange, red, or yellow blooms, this variety thrives as an annual in USDA Zones 3 to 8. Growing between 4 and 5 feet tall and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide, it produces a prolific display of flowers from May to October. Its bright blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. ‘Diablo’ adds a bold and energetic splash of color to sunny garden spots.
Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
Chocolate Cosmos is a unique herbaceous perennial known for its deep reddish-brown blooms and dark brown central florets. Originally from Mexico, it has been cultivated in Europe since 1885. This species grows up to 30 inches tall and flourishes in USDA Zones 7 to 9. Unlike most cosmos, Chocolate Cosmos propagates from tubers rather than seeds. Its flowers emit a faint vanilla fragrance, making them a favorite for sensory gardens. Flowering begins in mid-summer and lasts until the first frost. These plants thrive in well-draining soil and make a stunning addition to any garden with their velvety, dark petals.
Garden Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Garden Cosmos, or Mexican Aster, is a popular annual beloved for its versatility and vibrant colors. Native to Mexico and Central America, this variety can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Its flowers bloom in shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, and white from early summer to fall. The plant has numerous cultivars, ranging from bi-colored to semi-double blooms. Garden Cosmos prefers fertile soil and benefits from regular fertilizing. Its bushy, clumping habit makes it an excellent choice for borders or wildflower gardens. It’s a showstopper that attracts pollinators and thrives in diverse settings.
Yellow Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)
Yellow Cosmos is a radiant species that lights up gardens with its bright yellow, orange, or red flowers. Known as Sulfur Cosmos, it can grow up to 6 feet tall and spreads about 3 feet wide. Native to Mexico and parts of Central and South America, it blooms profusely from June to September. Each flower measures up to 2.5 inches across, adding a cheerful burst of color. Yellow Cosmos is ideal for sunny spots and thrives in poor, well-drained soil. Its vigorous growth and striking hues make it a favorite for gardeners seeking bold and lively displays.
Cosmos ‘Daydream’
Cosmos ‘Daydream’ is a graceful bi-colored cultivar derived from Cosmos bipinnatus. This sun-loving annual grows up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for USDA Zones 2 to 11. Its delicate flowers feature light pink petals with a darker magenta ring encircling golden yellow central florets. ‘Daydream’ blooms from early summer through fall, drawing bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its feathery foliage adds a soft, airy texture to garden borders. Easy to grow and resilient, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners aiming to create a dreamy, pollinator-friendly landscape.
Cosmos ‘Rosetta’
Cosmos ‘Rosetta’ is a stunning semi-double cultivar with distinctive pink and white striped petals surrounding golden yellow centers. This variety blooms from early summer until the first frost and grows 2 to 3 feet tall, spreading about 2 feet wide. Derived from Cosmos bipinnatus, ‘Rosetta’ is known for its resistance to common pests and diseases. It performs well in both garden beds and containers, adding charm to any setting. Its unique coloration and long blooming season make it a delightful choice for creating vibrant displays or cheerful bouquets.
Cosmos ‘Sea Shells’
Cosmos ‘Sea Shells’ is an elegant variety renowned for its fluted petals, which curl like seashells. Available in shades of pink, red, and white, the flowers feature golden yellow central florets. This annual grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, thriving in USDA Zones 2 to 11. ‘Sea Shells’ blooms from early summer to fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Its sophisticated appearance and vibrant colors make it a standout in flower beds or arrangements. With its delicate beauty and robust growth, it’s a gardener’s favorite.
Cosmos ‘Purity’
Cosmos ‘Purity’ lives up to its name with pristine white flowers that reach up to 3 inches wide. These blooms, paired with golden yellow centers, add elegance to borders or containers. Growing up to 4 feet tall, this cultivar flowers prolifically from early summer until the first frost. ‘Purity’ is a favorite for cutting gardens and serves as a vital nectar source for pollinators. Its simple yet striking beauty makes it a timeless addition to any garden, offering a serene contrast to more colorful blooms.
