Have you ever been drawn to the deep burgundy blooms and the sweet chocolate-vanilla scent of the chocolate cosmos flower? This rare flower was once thought to be extinct, but it was rediscovered in the early 2000s. Its velvety petals and dark brown centers make it a standout in any garden. But how can you make sure these flowers bloom beautifully in your garden?
Introduction to Chocolate Cosmos Flower
The chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) is a rare flower that catches the eye with its deep burgundy blooms and unique scent. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is from Mexico. For decades, it was thought to be extinct, but it was rediscovered in the early 2000s.
The flowers look like the common garden cosmos but are smaller, about 1.5 inches wide. They have velvety petals and dark brown centers. The scent is like chocolate, thanks to vanillin, the same compound found in cocoa.
William Thompson from Thompson & Morgan Seed Company introduced chocolate cosmos in the mid-1800s. It was found in Mexico and thrives in warm climates, like mature oak and pine forests. A single clone was saved at Kew Gardens in England after it nearly disappeared due to wars.
Growing chocolate cosmos can be rewarding for gardeners if they meet its specific needs. Knowing about this rare flower's unique traits and origins helps gardeners enjoy its beauty and scent.
Growing Conditions for Chocolate Cosmos Flower
Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) need certain conditions to grow well. They love lots of sunlight, well-drained soil, and a moderate temperature. These factors help them bloom beautifully.
For the best growth, chocolate cosmos need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They do well in fertile soil with a pH of 5.5-6.0. Since they can't handle cold, plant them after the last frost in USDA Zones 9-11.
In their home of Mexico, chocolate cosmos are perennials. But in cooler areas (Zones 7 and below), they are often grown as annuals. You can also bring their tubers inside for the winter. They like high humidity, making them adaptable to different climates.
It's important to space chocolate cosmos correctly for their health. Keep them 12 inches apart to ensure good air flow and prevent crowding. Pinching the plants a bit when they're young helps them grow bushier and bloom more later.
| Growing Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun (6-8 hours per day) |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.0) |
| Temperature | Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11; can be grown as annuals in cooler climates |
| Spacing | 12 inches between plants |
| Pinching | Encourage branching and more blooms |
Caring for Chocolate Cosmos Flower
For chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) to thrive, they need the right care. Water them once a week, letting the soil dry out a bit first. Too much water can cause root rot, so keep an eye on the soil.
Give these flowers a balanced fertilizer in spring to help them bloom. But don't overdo it, as too much fertilizer can make them focus on leaves instead of flowers. Cutting off dead flowers will make them bloom more. After the first bloom, trim them back to 12-18 inches to get more flowers.
If you live in a cold area and grow chocolate cosmos as annuals, you'll need to save their roots for winter. Bring them inside and keep them safe until spring. This way, they'll come back ready to bloom again.
| Care Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Watering | Moderate, deep watering once a week, allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings |
| Fertilizing | Apply a balanced, flowering plant fertilizer in spring, but avoid over-fertilizing |
| Deadheading | Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the season |
| Cutting Back | Cut plants back to 12-18 inches after the first round of flowering to stimulate additional blooms |
| Overwintering | In colder climates, dig up and overwinter tuberous roots indoors |
Chocolate Cosmos Flower Varieties
Since the early 2000s, the chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) has been rediscovered. Several new varieties have been introduced. 'Pinot Noir' from New Zealand has smaller flowers. 'Choca Mocha' or 'Chocamocha' grows only 12 inches tall, with deep maroon blooms that last into fall.
'Black Magic' is another standout, growing 12 to 24 inches tall. It has large or small velvety burgundy-black flowers. These varieties show how versatile the chocolate cosmos can be.
Gardeners can pick the best variety for their garden. Options range from the smaller 'Pinot Noir' to the compact 'Black Magic' and the dwarf 'Choca Mocha'. Each variety brings a unique look to the garden, offering the classic chocolate cosmos's fragrance and rich color.
| Cultivar | Height | Flower Color | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Pinot Noir' | Varies | Smaller maroon blooms | Mid to late summer |
| Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Choca Mocha' | 12 inches | Deep maroon, dahlia-like | Mid to late summer |
| Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Black Magic' | 12 to 24 inches | Large or small velvety burgundy-black | Mid to late summer |
Propagating Chocolate Cosmos Flower
Gardeners looking to grow chocolate cosmos have a special way to do it. These plants mainly spread through their tuberous roots. The seeds are not good for growing and are not recommended.
To grow chocolate cosmos, you need to divide the roots. This is like how you divide dahlia or canna tubers. In the fall or spring, dig up the plant and shake off the soil. Then, cut the roots into sections, making sure each has at least two "eyes" or growth buds.
- Chocolate Cosmos are typically divided during the spring or fall seasons.
- Each division of Chocolate Cosmos should have at least one bud and root to ensure successful growth.
- Seed germination for Chocolate Cosmos can take up to 14 days.
- Seedlings should receive 16 hours of light a day to thrive.
After dividing, replant the tubers at the same depth as before. Remember, don't try to collect seeds from chocolate cosmos because they won't grow.
If you're growing them yearly, dig up the tubers in the fall. Store them in a place that doesn't freeze, and replant in the spring. In warmer areas, where they grow every year, mulch the plants heavily in winter. This keeps the roots safe and helps them survive the cold.
Chocolate Cosmos Flower in Containers
Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) do well in containers, perfect for small gardens or patios. Make sure the soil drains well and the pots have good drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. This can cause root rot. Use pots like porous clay or terracotta to help with drainage.
Add small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container to improve drainage too.
Container-grown chocolate cosmos need regular watering, about once a week. They should dry out a bit between waterings. If you live in a cold area, you can bring chocolate cosmos in pots inside for the winter. Just cut the stems back to the base and move the pot to a place without frost.
Looking after chocolate cosmos in containers is key to their success. With the right care and regular watering, you can enjoy their beautiful, fragrant flowers all season.
Conclusion
The chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) is a rare and captivating flower that should be in every garden. Its deep burgundy blooms and unique chocolate-vanilla scent make it stand out. To grow it well, make sure it gets full sun, has well-drained soil, and is watered just right.
There are also different types like the 'Black Magic' and 'Choca Mocha' that are great for various garden spaces. These varieties offer different looks and bloom times, making it easy to find the perfect one for your garden.
Chocolate cosmos can be grown in the ground or in pots. They add a touch of elegance and a sweet scent to your garden all season long. By following the right care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of this rare flower in your own garden. The chocolate cosmos is truly a gem, adding a unique touch to any outdoor area.
