Annual · Asteraceae family
Common cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
In short a 10-second read
Common cosmos (annual) grows to 0.3–1.2 m tall and 0.6–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–October; the flowers are red, pink, white or yellow.
× spread 0.6–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: sandy, loamy
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–October · red, pink, white or yellow
Pruning
deadhead spent flowers (June–September)
Planting
direct sowing: April–May; sow indoors: March–April
Winter protection
does not overwinter
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
garden tulip
0.25–0.6 m
Bugle
0.15–0.3 m
lesser periwinkle
0.08–0.3 mReady-made Studio combinations that include Common cosmos
Annual cosmos and zinnias with coneflower and peony — flowers for the…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does Common cosmos flower?
In June–October; the flowers are red, pink, white or yellow.
Does Common cosmos tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does Common cosmos need?
At maturity 0.6–0.9 m wide and 0.3–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 45 cm.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 18 expert sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (18)
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Cosmos bipinnatus
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Cosmos bipinnatus
- GBIF Vernacular Names API — Cosmos bipinnatus
- Wikidata (CC0) — Cosmos bipinnatus
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Cosmos bipinnatus
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — cosmos bipinnatus
- Pladias — Databáza českej flóry a vegetácie
- EPPO Global Database — Cosmos bipinnatus
- RHS - Cosmos bipinnatus
- RHS - How to grow annuals and biennials
- Plant World Seeds
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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