Cosmos x Dahlia Mexican Star

Cosmos x Dahlia 'Mexican Black' is a rather curious tuberous plant, apparently discovered in a wild area in Mexico. It is said to be the result of a cross-breeding between Cosmos atrosanguineus and Dahlia coccinea, with which it shares various morphological traits. This rare and unique plant produces single, slightly scented flowers, 6cm (2in) in diameter. They are made up of a collar of dark purple-brown petals surrounding a beautiful golden yellow centre. They bloom in late summer and autumn, above an elegant mound of dark green foliage. It is not very hardy, so it should be grown like a dahlia, in full sun and in light soil.

Cosmos x Dahlia 'Mexican Black' is an herbaceous tuberous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It resembles a dahlia more than a cosmos, both in the scent of its foliage and its mode of growth. Primarily obtained through vegetative propagation, it develops from a frost-sensitive fleshy tuber. From spring, it quickly forms a clump of foliage measuring 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in all directions, and 70 to 80cm (28 to 32in) when in flower. The foliage is cut into narrow lobes, and somewhat resembles that of peonies. It is composed of dark green leaves, slightly tinged with a dull purple, and remains low. The floral stems, tinged with purple-brown, appear in August-September, and last until October if faded flowers are regularly removed. The flowers are grouped in heads and consist of slightly wrinkled ligulate florets on the periphery. They are dark purple-brown with a heart of golden yellow tubular florets. These heads emit a slight chocolatey aroma, especially in warm weather. According to molecular studies conducted in 2012, the dark colour of the heads cannot be attributed to a cross-breeding with Cosmos atrosanguineus, as it is found in at least 14 cultivars of dahlias.

Cosmos x Dahlia 'Mexican Black' is a relatively rare variety. It will not go unnoticed! It is sublime when paired with grey and silver foliage. It will wonderfully accompany artemisias, lamb's ears, or Cineraria maritima in flower beds or pots. The warm tone of its flowers brings out pastel colours, like the pink or blue of asters, or the azure of 'Indigo Spires' sage. It stands out nicely against the acidic green foliage of bipinnate cosmos or Alchemilla mollis.