Cosmos bipinnatus
A dark ruby red when they first open, over time these flowers fade to a dark pink, then more of a dusky blush color.
Rubenza is astonishingly beautiful with blooms that change shade as they mature. These flowers really are in a class of their own.
Wonderful as cut flowers, but can also be placed in pots.
Flowers all summer long.
Height: 60 to 90cm (24" to 35")
Hardiness: Annual plants
Where: Full sun
When: February to April inside, April to May outside.
Spacing: 30cm (12")
Harvesting/Flowering: June to October
Tip: If you remove wilted blooms, they will flower even more!
A paradise for insects
Photos: Janina Laszlo (1 & 3), Flora Press/Royal Horticultural Society (2)
