Cosmos, the beautiful and vibrant flowers that are often seen in gardens and landscapes, come in various varieties. While most cosmos varieties are annuals, meaning they only live for one growing season and do not return year after year, there is one exception – the cosmos atrosanguineus, more commonly known as the chocolate cosmos. This particular cosmos is a tender perennial, which means it can come back each year if given the right conditions and protection from the winter cold.
Annual cosmos plants are a popular choice among gardeners for their ability to produce an abundance of lovely flowers in various colors, including shades of pink, white, and orange. They are relatively easy to grow from seed, and their fast growth rate makes them a great choice for filling in empty spaces in the garden or adding color to a dull corner.
In my own gardening experiences, I have always enjoyed planting cosmos as annuals. I find their bright, daisy-like flowers to be a delightful addition to any garden. Each spring, I collect the seeds from the previous year’s plants and sow them directly into the soil or start them indoors to get a head start. This allows me to have a fresh batch of cosmos plants each year, ensuring a continuous display of their beautiful blooms.
However, if you are looking for a cosmos plant that can come back year after year, the chocolate cosmos is the one to consider. This unique variety not only offers stunning burgundy flowers but also has a delightful chocolate scent that adds another dimension to its appeal. Although it is a perennial, it is important to note that the chocolate cosmos is classified as a tender perennial, meaning it is not as hardy as other perennials and may require some special care to survive the winter.
To ensure the survival of chocolate cosmos during the colder months, it is essential to provide it with protection from the winter cold. In areas with harsh winters, it is recommended to dig up the tubers in the fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place. This way, you can replant them in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
In milder climates, where winter temperatures do not drop significantly, it may be possible to leave the chocolate cosmos tubers in the ground. However, it is still a good idea to provide some mulch or cover to insulate the plant and protect it from any potential frost damage.
While annual cosmos plants offer the advantage of easy reseeding and a fresh start each year, the chocolate cosmos provides the opportunity to have a long-lasting perennial presence in your garden. Whether you choose to grow cosmos as annuals or invest in the tender perennial chocolate cosmos, these beautiful flowers will undoubtedly add a touch of beauty and charm to any landscape.
