Cosmos Rubenza Seeds - Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos 'Rubenza' is an award-winning selection that displays beautiful ruby red blooms that change to old rose as they age, contrasting with the golden yellow centre. The abundant blooms appear all season long on semi-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. 'Rubenza' quickly forms semi-tall clumps, about 90 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Flowering starts in June and lasts until October (or the first frosts). The flower heads measure about 8 cm across and are made up of a layer of petals arranged around a golden central disc. The flowers open up deep burgundy, gradually turning ruby red then old rose as they mature. Cosmos are a magnet to 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 to animate romantic or cottage style gardens. Easy to grow even by beginners, this adorable plant with its feathery green leaves and naive flowers bring 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.