Cosmos Bipinnatus Mix

Overview and Key Features

Cosmos bipinnatus Mix is a vibrant and graceful annual known for its airy foliage and daisy-like blooms in shades of white, pink, rose, crimson, and lavender. These flowers bloom freely throughout summer and into early autumn, bringing colour, movement, and pollinator appeal to gardens of all sizes.

This mix is especially popular for cottage gardens, borders, wildflower schemes, and cutting gardens. Cosmos bipinnatus are tall, elegant plants with fine, feathery foliage, giving them a light and breezy look even when planted densely.

• Type: Half-hardy annual

• Height: 60–120 cm depending on variety and conditions

• Spread: 30–50 cm

• Flowers: Open-faced, single or semi-double blooms in mixed pastel and bold shades

• Foliage: Finely divided, ferny green leaves

• Bloom time: June to October

• Habit: Upright and branching

• Common varieties in mix: ‘Sensation’, ‘Purity’, ‘Picotee’, ‘Gloria’, and more

Planting and Growing Conditions

Cosmos bipinnatus is easy to grow from seed or plug plants and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is ideal for beginner gardeners due to its reliability and quick growth.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best flowering

  • Minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers light, moderately fertile, free-draining soil

  • Avoid overly rich soil, which can result in lush foliage and fewer blooms

  • Tolerates dry conditions once established

• Planting Tips:

  • Sow seeds indoors in April or directly outside after last frost

  • Transplant outdoors once danger of frost has passed

  • Space plants 30–45 cm apart to allow airflow and encourage bushy growth

  • Water in well and protect young plants from slugs

Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

Cosmos are low-maintenance and forgiving, making them ideal for wildlife gardens, large containers, and casual borders.

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during dry spells in early growth

  • Once established, drought-tolerant—avoid overwatering

  • In containers, water when top few cm of soil are dry

• Feeding:

  • Minimal feeding required—avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers

  • Optional: Light feeding with tomato fertiliser mid-season to support blooming

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering season

  • Cut entire stems down to side shoots to tidy up

  • For long-stemmed cut flowers, harvest in early bloom stage

• Support:

  • Taller varieties may need staking or support in windy areas

  • Plant in groups to allow mutual support if space allows

Design Uses and Combinations

Cosmos bipinnatus Mix adds height, movement, and long colour to many garden styles.

• Best Uses:

  • Cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and borders

  • Cut flower gardens – excellent vase life and soft texture

  • Pollinator gardens – rich nectar source for bees and butterflies

  • Mass planting for a naturalistic, meadow-style look

• Companion Plants:

  • Works well with Lavatera, Nigella, Salvia, Verbena bonariensis, and Rudbeckia

  • Combine with grasses or silver-foliage plants for contrast

  • In cutting gardens, pair with Zinnias, Sunflowers, and Snapdragons

Seasonal and End-of-Life Care

• Hardiness:

  • Half-hardy annual—killed by frost

  • In the UK and Ireland, sow annually or allow to self-seed lightly

• End-of-Season Tips:

  • Leave some seed heads in place for birds and natural reseeding

  • Remove dead plants after first frost and compost

  • Collect seed for next year if desired

Extras

• Pollinator appeal: High – supports bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

• Cut flowers: Long-lasting; cut in morning before blooms fully open

• Self-seeding: May self-sow in sheltered spots, especially in mild autumns

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

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

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

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

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.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.