Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Cherry Chocolate' – Planting & Care Guide

About Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Cherry Chocolate'

Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Cherry Chocolate', commonly known as Chocolate Cosmos, is a stunning perennial prized for its rich cherry-red, velvety flowers and delicious chocolate fragrance. Blooming from mid-summer until the first frosts, this elegant plant produces masses of daisy-like flowers held on slender stems above attractive dark green foliage, creating a colourful and fragrant display.

Growing to approximately 50–70cm tall with a spread of 40–50cm, 'Cherry Chocolate' forms a neat, clump-forming habit that is ideal for borders, patio containers and cut flower gardens. The sweetly scented flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Its rich flower colour also contrasts beautifully with ornamental grasses and silver-leaved plants.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering performance.
• Choose a warm, sheltered position protected from strong winds.
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
• Improve heavy soils with compost and horticultural grit before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a 5–8cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown.
• Space plants approximately 40–50cm apart to allow good air circulation.

Care & Maintenance

Cosmos 'Cherry Chocolate' is easy to grow with regular care.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
• Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Apply a high-potash liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the flowering season.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently during warm weather.
• Protect the tubers from severe winter frost with a thick mulch or lift and store them in colder areas.
• Ensure excellent drainage throughout winter.

Pruning

Regular pruning encourages a longer flowering season.

• Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
• Cut flower stems for indoor arrangements to encourage new buds.
• Remove damaged or yellowing foliage throughout the growing season.
• Cut stems back to ground level after the foliage has died back in autumn.
• Remove old growth in spring before fresh shoots emerge.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Cherry Chocolate'
• Common Name: Chocolate Cosmos
• Plant Type: Tuberous perennial
• Mature Height: 50–70cm
• Spread: 40–50cm
• Flower Colour: Deep cherry-red
• Flowering Period: July to October
• Foliage: Dark green, finely divided leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Half hardy; protect tubers from severe frost during winter

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Cosmos 'Cherry Chocolate' is perfect for adding colour, fragrance and elegance to summer planting.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Patio containers
• Raised beds
• Courtyard gardens
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Wildlife gardens
• Cut flower gardens
• Contemporary planting schemes
• Gravel gardens

It combines beautifully with Salvia, Verbena bonariensis, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Dahlias, Gaura, Lavender and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh green foliage emerges in late spring.
• Flower buds develop during early summer.
• Rich cherry-red flowers bloom continuously from mid-summer until the first frosts.
• Flowers release a distinctive chocolate fragrance, particularly on warm sunny days.
• Nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• Plants become dormant in winter before producing fresh new growth the following spring.

Common Problems

Cosmos 'Cherry Chocolate' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to tuber rot.
• Young shoots may be damaged by slugs and snails.
• Aphids may occasionally feed on new growth.
• Severe frost can damage or kill unprotected tubers.
• Ensure good drainage, regular deadheading and winter protection for the healthiest plants.

With its rich cherry-red flowers, delicious chocolate fragrance and long flowering season, Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Cherry Chocolate' is a truly distinctive perennial for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and highly rewarding, it provides months of colour, fragrance and pollinator-friendly blooms, making it an excellent choice for borders, patio containers, cottage gardens and cut flower displays

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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