Cosmos 'Chocamocha'

Description and Characteristics

Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocamocha', commonly known as Chocolate Cosmos, is a compact, tender perennial renowned for its rich chocolate-brown flowers and delightful chocolate-like fragrance. A cultivar of the tuberous Cosmos atrosanguineus, 'Chocamocha' features velvety, dark maroon blooms that appear almost black in certain lights and emit a subtle scent reminiscent of dark chocolate—especially on warm summer days.

This variety is more compact than the species, growing to a tidy 30–40 cm in height, with finely divided, dark green foliage that forms an attractive, bushy clump. From mid-summer into autumn, it produces a succession of 2–3 cm wide, daisy-like flowers on slender stems that flutter gently in the breeze, making it ideal for containers, raised beds, and front-of-border plantings.

Though native to Mexico, Cosmos atrosanguineus is no longer found in the wild, and all cultivated plants are sterile. It is grown from tuberous roots, similar to dahlias, and should be protected from frost in cooler climates.

• Deep chocolate-maroon flowers with a soft cocoa scent

• Height: 30–40 cm; Spread: 30–40 cm

• Long flowering period: June to October

• Grown from tubers, like dahlias

• Excellent for patio containers, front-of-border colour, and cut flowers

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Cosmos ‘Chocamocha’ is a sun-loving plant that thrives in warm, free-draining soil and benefits from regular deadheading and light feeding. Its tubers should be lifted or protected from frost in colder regions.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for strong flowering and fragrance

  • In partial shade, growth may be leggy and flowering reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates loam or sandy soil; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions

  • Ideal in slightly acidic to neutral pH

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the growing season, especially in pots

  • Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot

  • Reduce watering after flowering ends in autumn

• Feeding:

  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers

• Deadheading and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead faded flowers frequently to encourage continuous blooming

  • Trim back lightly in midsummer to shape and refresh growth if needed

• Winter Care:

  • Frost-tender (RHS H2)—will not survive freezing temperatures

  • In autumn, lift and store tubers in a cool, dry, frost-free place (like dahlia tubers)

  • Alternatively, overwinter containers in a greenhouse or conservatory

  • In mild areas with excellent drainage, tubers may be left in the ground and mulched

Garden Uses, Companions, and Pollinator Benefits

Cosmos ‘Chocamocha’ is ideal for gardeners seeking compact, fragrant colour for summer displays. Its dark blooms create dramatic contrast and pair beautifully with paler tones and silvery foliage.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for containers, raised beds, front-of-border plantings, and cutting gardens

  • Adds richness and contrast to pastel-themed schemes

  • Suitable for urban gardens, balconies, and hot, dry borders

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Salvia, Verbena bonariensis, Rudbeckia, Gaura, Erigeron, and Orlaya

  • Contrasts well with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia, Stachys, and Senecio

  • Complements pastel colours like pale pink roses, white scabiosa, or lavender

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Valuable mid- to late-season pollinator plant

  • Great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens and biodiversity borders

• Container Growing:

  • Thrives in terracotta pots, decorative containers, or window boxes

  • Use a free-draining compost with added grit or perlite

  • Lift tubers from containers at season’s end for storage

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases

  • Watch for slugs or snails on young shoots and aphids on tender growth

  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce risk of mildew in humid weather

• Size
  2L

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)

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