Description
The chocolate cosmos, or Cosmos atrosanguineus, is a delicate perennial from Mexico that is planted for its late-summer blooms that are dusky brownish-red, but also for its aroma of hot chocolate and vanilla.
Chocolate-scented, velvety deep crimson flowers, up to 2 in. (5 cm) across, are the hallmark of the highly sought-after tuberous perennial Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos), which blooms from midsummer to autumn. Its winged petioles hold its pinnately split leaves, which are frequently lobed at the base, to the stems.
Habitat
The chocolate cosmos, or Cosmos atrosanguineus, is a species of Cosmos that is indigenous to Mexico. Despite being “quite abundant” in Mexico, it has frequently been believed to be extinct in the wild.
Uses
Chocolate Cosmos are very prized plants for human therapeutic purposes, even though deer find them unappealing. They are frequently used to strengthen bones, cure skin conditions, and improve circulation.
Varieties
Russell Poulter introduced Cosmos atrosanguineus’ Pinot Noir as the first locally available cultivar in New Zealand in 1996. It has little flowers on it.
A dwarf cultivar of Cosmos atrosanguineus, Choca Mocha, or “Chocamocha,” grows to a height of about 12 inches and is available from Proven Winners or Burpee.
Jelitto Perennial Seeds sells Cosmos atrosanguineus “Black Magic,” which has large or small flowers, grows 12 to 24 inches tall, has rounded or notched rays, broad or narrow rays, and smells like chocolate and vanilla.
Plant Care
- Light
Chocolate Cosmos prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, just like regular Cosmos..
- Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil will enable these beauties to grow. When cultivating in containers, a combination of topsoil and potting soil should work well; you might also want to add some pebbles to the bottom to help with drainage.
- Water
It’s important to avoid overwatering them because this can lead to root rot. In summer, once a week heavy watering should be plenty, unless it rains a lot. In between watering, allow the soil to become slightly dry.
- Temperature and Humidity
Because these flowers can be susceptible to frost, don’t plant them before the risk of frost has completely passed. They like damp soil and can withstand humidity, but too much water at the roots can lead to decay. They can withstand hardiness as perennials in Zones 9 and above, but you can try growing them as perennials in Zones 7 and 8 with a lot of mulch and winter protection.
- Fertilizer
Your chocolate cosmos may produce more foliage than flowers if you fertilize it too much, but a small amount of rose food added in the spring will help these flowers develop and hold their brilliant color into the autumn.
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