Cosmos x bipinnatus Apricotta

Cosmos 'Apricotta' is a new variety of bipinnate cosmos, distinguished at Fleuroselect in 2021 for the unusual colour of its flowers, their beautiful size, and its tall, sturdy stems that are perfect for cut flowers. The long-lasting flowers display a beautiful harmony of peach, soft apricot, and light pink tones, on beautifully pleated petals. The heads are sometimes single, sometimes bearing a collar of small extra petals depending on the plants. Sow the seeds in light soil, in the sun, and let nature take its course. They are almost fail-proof plants!

Cosmos 'Apricotta' is a recent Dutch cultivar derived from an annual species native to Mexico and the extreme southern United States, C. bipinnatus. This non-hardy annual plant, related to dahlias, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It shows a characteristic inflorescence in head form and particularly fine foliage resembling that of fennel.

'Apricotta' quickly forms a tuft 1m (3ft) high, 50cm (20in) wide. Flowering begins in July, around 85 days after sowing, and lasts until early autumn. The heads measure 8cm (3in) in diameter and are composed of pleated petals with toothed edges, in shades of peach-apricot with a pink base. The centre of the flower consists of a golden disc. Cosmos flowers attract many insects and butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. The foliage is finely divided into thread-like segments, barely 0.5 to 1mm wide, and is lightly and pleasantly scented. After flowering, the plant produces spindle-shaped blackish achene fruits that are somewhat bristly. The seeds can self-sow, but the resulting plants do not necessarily resemble their parent.

Cosmos 'Apricotta' can easily fill a bank or a sunny bed by itself. It is a carefree and rewarding annual plant, perfect for enlivening a romantic or countryside-style garden. Cosmos flowers are perfect for beginners, and are almost impossible to fail. They grow quickly, bring lightness to the heavier blooms of dahlias, and accompany perennial salvias, Verbena 'Buenos Aires', and chrysanthemums until the first frost. They are perfect for a brand-new garden, mixed with poppies, love-in-a-mist, or annual cornflowers. Its flowers have excellent vase life.