Cosmos Xanthos Seeds - Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos 'Xanthos' is an award-winning selection that features unique, soft yellow daisy-like blooms over dark green, ferny foliage. Flowering starts early and continues all season long on compact plants, ideal for borders and containers! 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. 'Xanthos' quickly forms well-branched, compact clumps, about 60 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Flowering starts as early as May-June and lasts until October (or the first frosts). The flower heads measure about 5-7 cm across and are made up of a layer of petals arranged around a golden central disc. Flowers are soft yellow with a discreet white eye. 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.