sulphureus Cosmos Kiiro - Sulfur Cosmos

Cosmos sulphureus 'Kiiro', also known as 'Japanese Kiiro', is a wonderful variety of Cosmos, full of delicacy, as if it were the perfect combination of colour, shape, and stature for this flower that is as light as a breath. Its simple flowers, with slightly toothed edges, are infused with a very pale yellow that becomes white towards the centre. The reverse of the petals is beautifully tinted peach. This giant-flowered variety reaches a height of 1.20 m (4ft). Very melliferous, its flowering attracts many pollinators.

Originally from South America and belonging to the Asteraceae family, Cosmos sulphureus or Sulphur Cosmos is a fast-growing annual plant that can reach 1.5 metres (5 feet) in its natural environment. The species, native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, spread throughout Japan from the 17th century, in meadows and along riverbanks, hence the name Japanese Cosmos or Japanese Cosmos under which it is sometimes found. Its habit is branched, it has finely cut foliage (slightly less than Cosmos bipinnatus) in light green and displays an unwavering flowering from July to the first frost. The 'Japanese Kiiro' variety was introduced in 2019. Its flowers, from very pale yellow to white, with toothed edges and peach-tinted petals on the reverse, bloom at the end of stems reaching up to 1.20 m (4ft) in height.

Cosmos sulphureus 'Kiiro' appreciates a light, well-drained, not too fertile soil, and a sunny exposure. In too rich soil, the stems lack vigour and the flowers become less frequent. Easy to sow, it is ideal for beginners. Its flowering is foolproof: give it sunlight and, whatever happens, it blooms. It rewards your few cares with a continuous flow of new flowers, provided you cut them as they appear. 'Kiiro', very tall, is suitable for planting in meadows or beds. Combine it with other meadow flowers in a dance of soft and pastel colours. Think of Poppies, Love-in-a-Mist. Add grasses like Carex or Panicum and perennials like Yarrow, for example. It is a particularly melliferous plant, and if you refrain from doing a major autumn cleanup, you will certainly have the chance to admire birds (especially goldfinches) coming to peck at the last seeds.