Cosmos Pied Piper Red Seeds - Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos 'Pied Piper' is an unusual selection with fluted, seashell-like petals that are rich velvety crimson, arranged around a golden yellow centre. The abundant blooms appear all season long on tall plants, ideal for cutting! Easy to grow and effortlessly romantic, Cosmos thrive in light soil in a sunny position.

Cosmos bipinnatus is a tender annual plant native to Mexico and the southernmost part of the United States. It belongs to the Asteraceae family alongside Dahlias and daisies, featuring the characteristic inflorescences known as capitulums and very fine, feathery foliage. 'Pied Piper' quickly forms semi-tall clumps, 70-80 cm (27.6- 31.5in) in height and 40 cm (15.8 in) wide. Flowering starts in June and lasts until October (or the first frosts). The flower heads measure about 7 cm (2.8 in) across and are made up of a layer of fluted petals arranged around a golden central disc. The flowers display a unique deep-red colour on the inside of the petals, with a lighter, silvery sheen on the outside. Cosmos are a magnet for foraging insects and butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. The finely cut, cloud-like foliage resembles fennel leaves and is delicately scented. Flowers are followed by blackish, spiky seed heads (achenes).

Cosmos is an easy-going, rewarding annual that can single handedly fill a sunny slope, border or flower bed. It is perfect for livening up romantic or cottage-style gardens. Easy to grow even by beginners, this adorable plant with its feathery, green leaves and naive flowers brings light and airiness to heavier blooms such as Dahlias. It combines well with perennial sage, Verbena bonariensis and chrysanthemums until the first frosts. It is particularly useful in new gardens mixed with poppies, love-in-a-mist or cornflowers. Its pretty blooms have a long vase life and are ideal for cutting.