Cosmos , Cosmosspp . , is a delicacy summer - to - frost flower in the Asteraceae mob .
Its cousins are the aster , chrysanthemum , coneflower , dahlia , and marigold . Most varieties grow as annuals in zona 2 to 11 , but some are perennial in Zones 9 to 11 .
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gloomy - maintenance , sun - loving cosmos shows well in mixed beds , borders , butterfly gardens , containers , cottage gardens , cutting gardens , tidy sum - planted drift , and meadow .
Mature dimensions range from one to six ft tall and one to three foundation wide .
Ourcosmos grow guideprovides all you need to know to produce your own .
This article discusses 19 of the best unfolding companions to grow with cosmos . They share similar ethnic necessity and seem attractive when paired in garden configurations .
Here ’s what ’s in store :
19 of the Best Cosmos Companions
Cosmos require full sun and reasonably productive , well - enfeeble soil with a mildly acidic to gently alkaline pH of 6.0 to 8.0 .
apply soil teststo fix your garden soil pH levels . This may vary from one placement to another .
The plant life you choose to grow near your cosmos should have similar want .
Additional considerations when choosing garden mates are colour , shape , and grain . have ’s quickly review each of these before we dig into the roundup !
Color
If you grow pinkish , purple , or white cosmos , make a nerveless scheme by couple it with flora in alike shades .
And if you prefer bright orange , red , or yellow cosmos , complement it with other boldly - hue blossom .
For an eclectic mix , display cool and lovesome colors throughout your landscape .
Shape
Mimic the rounded prime of cosmos with other daisy - similar bloom of youth , and vary or jibe the colour as desired .
stress a floral video display with spikes of constellate peak for vertical interest .
Add tube-shaped grade to draw the eye into individual blooms .
Texture
Match cosmos ’ delicate quality with other delicacy blossoms and airy foliage .
Contrast the fugacious quality with rigid spikes of blooms and darker , denser go away .
commingle flora variety to display various textures , such as papery , feathery , ridged , ruffled , serrate , quiet , and velvety .
Display variegated colors that spotlight surface characteristics like vein .
Size
Another crucial when choose familiar is the sizing at maturity .
Consider height and spread as you contrive garden spaces , such as borders , containers , cut garden , drifts , meadow , and mixed bed .
Choose tall varieties for rear linchpin , medium for mid - placement specimen , and low - profile for front - of - display flat coat covers .
For border gardens , vary the tallness gives a gumption of roll wave and carries the oculus pleasingly forward to each newfangled crown .
And finally , consider bloom times to plan a season - long floral display .
fellow traveller planting is a sensible way to garden .
By choosing varieties with similar sun , soil , and water requirement , you may catch one’s breath assure that your selections will perform optimally , and you may habituate a one - size of it - fits - all watering scheme for loose care .
And now , 19 companion to love .
1. Bachelor’s Button
Bachelor ’s clit , Centaurea cyanus , is an annual that grows in Zones 2 to 11 .
The thistle - same blossoms are preponderantly dreary but these are also useable in pinkish , purplish , ruby-red , white , and bicolor combinations .
take down that this specie reseed aggressively and come back as a perennial would . plant it is prohibited in North Carolina and it is moot invasive in Tennessee , Maryland , and Georgia .
‘ Blue Boy ‘ Cornflower
matured proportion are 12 to 36 column inch improbable and 12 to 24 inches wide .
This summer - blooming fellow traveller is beseem to wildflower meadows or other naturalized planting areas that do n’t encroach on farmers ’ fields or suburban lawn .
C. cyanus‘Blue Boy ’ is a cultivar with double level of petals in a rich gentian blue . Mature dimension are 30 inch marvelous with a spread of 10 to 12 in .
‘ Blue son ’ cornflower seed is available in packets of 150from Burpee .
See ourguide to growing cornflowersfor more information .
2. Bee Balm
Bee balm , Monardaspp . , aka wild bergamot orange , is a perennial native that blooms during the summertime months in Zones 3 to 9 .
It sports tube-shaped , curving flower petal redolent of explode celebratory firework .
Colors include lavender , pink , over-embellished , and red . The upright stem reach three to five feet tall with a spread of 18 to 36 inches .
Bee unguent is a wondrous hayfield or drift companion thatreadily naturalizes .
Sugar Buzz ® ‘ Grape Gumball ‘ Bee Balm
M. didyma‘Grape Gumball ’ from the Sugar Buzz ® serial is a cultivated diversity with purple rosiness that grows 18 to 24 inch tall with a paste of 18 inches .
Sugar Buzz ® ‘ Grape Gumball’is useable from Nature Hills Nurseryin # 1 containers .
See ourguide to growing bee balmto read more .
3. Black-Eyed Susan
smuggled - eyed Susan , Rudbeckiaspp . , is a US aboriginal wild flower . It ’s a suddenly - lived perennial in Zones 3 to 9 that blooms from summer to hang .
Petal - like rays surround a prominent black or chocolate-brown center disk .
Cultivated varieties are available in various colors , including yellow , Orange River - yellow , orangish , crimson , cerise and yellow , and scandalmongering and white . The ambrosia and seed headsattract beneficial pollinators .
Plants have a mounding growth habit and naturalize readily . Mature dimensions are two to three feet grandiloquent and 12 to 18 inches wide . Plant en massein cut garden , drifts , and meadow .
‘ Goldsturm ’ Black - Eyed Susan
R. fulgidavar . sullivantii‘Goldsturm ’ is a cultivated variety of native black - eyed Susan suited to Zones 3 to 9 .
It has sensationalistic rays around a black center magnetic disc and mature attribute of two to three feet magniloquent and one to two feet wide .
‘ Goldsturm ’ smuggled - eyed Susan isavailable from Eden Brothers .
In addition to perennial black - eyed Susans , there are annual and biennial species in theRudbeckiagenus that make suitable companions as well .
look into out ourguide to growing black - eyed Susansfor more info .
4. Borage
Borage , Borago officinalis , is an one-year herbaceous plant for zone 2 to 11 with a retentive history of use in traditional medicine .
Its starry flower are dark with whitened emphasis , or they may be all white . They flower in the summer .
Borage self - sows with vigor . It has a clip-clop growth habit and is suited to naturalized place setting like drifts and meadow .
Borago officinalis
ripe acme are 12 to 36 inches with a spread of nine to 18 inches .
Borage seeds areavailable from Botanical Interests .
Ourborage grow guidehas more information .
5. Cardinal Flower
central blossom , Lobelia cardinalis , is a aboriginal perennial for zone 3 to 9 with good red spike that bloom from belated summer to return .
It append heat to interracial groupings and complements orange , red , and lily-livered companions .
The spikes consist of multiple segment cannular floret that clump along the terminal ends of the stems .
The rich colour and feather - like form resemble the northerly Richmondena Cardinalis , lovingly known as the redbird .
Other heyday colors are usable and include pink , majestic , and white . Mature dimensions are three to six foot magniloquent and 12 to 24 inch wide .
Cardinal Flower
The scarlet chromaticity and vasiform flower ofL. cardinalisattract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds .
This specie is suited to naturalize preferences like butterfly stroke andcottage garden .
Cardinal blossom plant areavailable from Burpee .
Learn more in ourguide to raise primal flowers .
6. Dahlia
Dahlia , Dahliaspp . , is a tuberous bulb that grows as a perennial in zone 8 to 11 and an annual in other region .
It blooms from midsummer through nightfall and boasts a varied palette of phase and chromaticity . Dahlia pinnata tubers can also be lifted for replanting the following yearin regions with cold-blooded winters .
There are single - flowering anemone , collar , or orchid style and bivalent - flowering ball , cactus , semi - cactus , decorative , peony , and pom pom styles .
A broad selection of colors and multicolor pattern are available in all shade but gloomy .
Mature dimension vary by cultivar . Heights are nine to 60 inches with a spread of 12 to 24 inches . Dahlias look lovely in mixed bed , with the tallest in anchor stance .
‘ Bishop of Canterbury ’ Dahlia
‘ Bishop of Canterbury ’ is a semi - bivalent peony - style cultivar with fuchsia to magenta blossoms . It blooms from midsummer through fall . ripe dimensions are three feet tall and 30 inch panoptic .
‘ Bishop of Canterbury ’ isavailable from Eden Brothersin software of two , four , and eight tubers .
Ourguide to growing dahliashas full culture detail .
7. Delphinium
Delphinium , Delphiniumspp . , is a perennial for Zones 3 to 7 .
It makes a striking vertical statement with upright patrician , pinkish , violet , or white spikes of obtusely mob floret at the terminal end of the stems .
Mature heights are two to six foot with a spread of two to three feet . Bloom fourth dimension is other to mid summertime .
Mass - plant in cutting gardens or scatter in drifts and meadows .
‘ Dark Blue White Bee ’ Delphinium
D. elatum‘Dark Blue White Bee ’ is a stunning deep blue to deep purple variety with white centre that resemble cross-pollinate bees .
fit to zona 3 to 7 , this potential associate reach a matured height of two to three groundwork and a spread of 12 to 18 inch .
‘ Dark Blue White Bee ’ delphiniums areavailable from Nature Hills Nurseryin # 1 containers .
Learn more inour scout to growing delphinium .
8. Dianthus
Dianthus ( Dianthusspp . ) may be perennial , biyearly , or annual , depending on the specie , and is suited to cultivation in Zones 3 to 9 .
Plants have a clumping growth habit and boast flatten five - petal single or fully double blossoms with deeply fringed sharpness in shades of lilac , pinkish , red , white , and bicolor combinations .
They have a plentiful , spicy fragrance like cinnamon and cloves .
nanus varieties make eye - catching container plants , edge , and front - of - seam ground covers . heavy cultivars show well as specimen in miscellaneous seam , and stack constitute incutting gardensand realistic drifts .
Bloom time is generally in the saltation , however , in nerveless regions , some cultivar may bloom continuously or periodically from later bounce to former declivity .
Dianthus‘Raspberry Surprise ’ is suited to zone 4 to 8 . Its fragrant pink blossoms have burgundy center oculus , fully dual petals , and a generous two - in diameter .
‘ Raspberry Surprise ’
Mature peak are 10 to 12 inch with a feast of 12 to 15 inches . Plants flower in the spring .
‘ Raspberry Surprise ’ plants areavailable from Burpee .
you’re able to learn in our growing guide .
9. Foxglove
Foxglove , Digitalis purpurea , is a biennial for Zones 4 to 9 that maturate in yr one and blooms from bound to summer in year two when planted from seed .
It has vertical stalks with elongated floret clusters at the depot terminate . Please note that foxglove is toxic .
The varied colour palette include emollient , pink , purple , red , white-hot , and yellow . The tubular floret face downward and have recondite throats that often display contrasting markings .
ripe heights are 18 to 60 inches with a gap of 12 to 18 inches . It ’s an fantabulous back - of - bed anchor .
‘ Pam ’s Choice ‘
D. purpurea‘Pam ’s Choice ’ is well accommodate to Zones 5 to 9 . It has creamy white florets with throats splotch by productive , velvety Bourgogne . Plants top out at four feet with a spread of 18 to 30 inch .
‘ Pam ’s Choice ’ isavailable from Burpeein bundles of four industrial plant .
ascertain to rise foxglove in our pathfinder .
10. Globe Amaranth
Globe amaranth , Gomphrena globosa , is a suddenly - lived perennial in Zones 9 to 11 and an annual elsewhere .
The rounded heyday lie in of stiff , papery , petal - like bracts that resemble a thistle . Colors include lilac , magenta , orange , pinkish , imperial , red , and white .
Bloom time is from summer to hoar . Globe amaranth has a mounding ontogenesis habit and fledged property of six to 48 column inch magniloquent and eight to 24 inch wide .
The bobbing head add movement and whimsicality to cottage garden .
Rio Grande Earth amaranth , Gomphrena haageanais a tender perennial coinage for Zones 9 to 11 .
QIS Fiery Sunrise Blend Globe Amaranth
G. haageanaQIS ® Fiery Sunrise Blend offers a bold accumulation of oranges , yellow , and reds to complement bright - hue cosmos for a interracial layer or margin that sizzles in the summer Dominicus .
Stems measure 24 to 26 inches tall at maturity .
QIS ® Fiery Sunrise Blend seeds areavailable from Botanical Interests .
get word more in ourguide to growing Earth amaranth .
11. Hollyhock
Hollyhock , Alcea rosea , is befit to zone 3 to 10 , where it ’s in the main a biennial , growing in the first twelvemonth and blooming in the second when propagated from come .
It may also be a short - live perennial . This specie has flower like come up of Sharonand brings to heed the fairytale Little Bo Peep ’s sunbonnet .
Hollyhock blooms along upright stalks and is useable in various colors , including black , burgundy , peach , pink , regal , red , rosaceous , chicken , and lily-white .
Bloom time is summertime . ripe dimensions are three to nine foot magniloquent with a spread of two to four feet .
Hollyhock is fit to anchor positions in beds that showcase mid - height and low - visibility specimens .
‘ Indian Spring ’ Hollyhock
A. rosea‘Indian Spring ’ offers pinkish , rose , yellow , and white blossoms . Mature heights are five to eight feet improbable and plants distribute 12 inches blanket .
‘ Indian Spring ’ hollyhock seed areavailable from Botanical Interests .
See ourguide to grow hollyhocksfor more selective information .
12. Larkspur
Larkspur , Consolidaspp . , is an annual in Zones 2 to 11 . It has erect spike heel laden with terminal floret clusters in shade of blue , purple , pinkish , and bloodless .
yearly larkspur resemble repeated delphinium , but larkspur has feathery leafage , and the delphinium has lob , palmate , or deal - alike leaves .
Consolidais a spring - to - summer bloomer that measures three to four foot tall and one infantry wide . Enjoy it mass - planted in cutting gardens or break up in drifts and meadow .
RocketLarkspurTall Mix
C. ajacisRocket Larkspur Tall Mix offers a taste tester of blue , pinkish , purple , and blanched flowers that mature to four feet grandiloquent and two infantry wide . These colors complement nerveless cosmos shades .
Tall Mix seeds areavailable from Eden Brothers .
Learn more in ourguide to grow larkspur .
13. Liatris
Liatris , Liatris spicata , aka gayfeather and blazing star , is a perennial in geographical zone 3 to 9 .
It has upright stalk and a clumping development riding habit . impenetrable , feathery florets cluster tightly at the terminal ends . Typically purple , it may also be lilac , pinkish , or white .
Blazing Star
Liatris blooms from mid- to late summer on stalks reaching acme of two to four invertebrate foot and 15 to 18 inches wide-eyed .
Use it as a dramatic punctuation in borders , impulsion , and meadows , and as a specimen in beds .
Blazing wiz seeds areavailable from Eden Brothersin a variety of package sizes .
Learn more in ourguide to growing genus Liatris .
14. Petunia
Petunia , Petunia×hybrida , is a perennial in Zones 9 to 11 and an annual elsewhere . It has open - face , vasiform blossoms with velvety flower petal and prime from spring to fall .
outgrowth habits vary from mounding and erect to spreading and go after . Grandiflora , floribunda , multiflora , and milliflora typesare available .
Colors include blue , coral , magenta , pinkish , empurpled , red , ashen , yellow , and multicolor combinations .
Petunias achieve a mature meridian of six to 18 column inch and pass around 18 to 48 inches . They do well in containers , window boxes , beds , and border .
Trailing smorgasbord that shower from containers also make attractive reason screen for edging or front of layer and moulding placements .
SuperCal ® ‘ Premium Caramel Yellow ’
SuperCal ® ‘ Premium Caramel Yellow ’ is a unparalleled hybrid ofPetuniaandCalibrachoa , aka million bells .
Abundant small yellow bloom have rust - distort pharynx accents . Mature dimension are 14 to 24 inch with a feast of 14 to 26 inches .
SuperCal ® ‘ Premium Caramel Yellow ’ isavailable from Burpeein four - plant megabucks .
Check ourpetunia grow guideto read more .
15. Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflower , Echinacea purpurea , is a native perennial for zone 3 to 8 with daisy - comparable blossom . With a long history of use in herbal medicine , it blooms from fountain to fall .
The blossoms dwell of pinkish - purple rays smother a house , cone - like essence disk that is brownish to black .
Mature dimensions are two to five feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide . It is suited to specimen establish in beds and moulding , and batch - planting in drifts and hayfield .
Purple Coneflower
E. purpureaattracts a host of pollinate louse , such as butterflies . And expect feasting songbirds when the center magnetic disc lead to seminal fluid at time of year ’s end .
empurpled coneflower seeds areavailable from Eden Brothers .
tame varieties , as well as additionalEchinaceaspecies , are also uncommitted .
They broaden the color pallet to let in burgundy , lavender , pink , scarlet , Salmon River , blank , and scandalmongering for even more options .
Learn coneflowers in our usher .
16. Roman Chamomile
Romanic Anthemis nobilis , Chamaemelumnobile , is a perennial with a history of use as an herbal therapeutic . It arise as a perennial in Zones 4 to 9 and an annual in other area .
Chamomile resembles a daisy , but the white , petal - alike rays are forgetful , and the center disc is proportionately larger .
It ’s a low - visibility , ground - covering plant that flower from summer to descend . Mature dimensions are three to six inch marvellous and six to 12 inches wide .
Roman Chamomile
Chamomile is an excellent choice for front of bed and border placements and it may beused as a lawn option .
It serves as a worthwhile fellow traveler to cosmos as well as other works by covering the earth and inhibit weed growth .
papistic chamomile seeds areavailable from True Leaf Market .
See ourguide to growing chamomilefor more information .
17. Stock
Stock , Matthiola incana , aka gillyflower , is a perennial in Zones 7 to 10 and an yearly in other regions .
It ’s a late outflow to early summer bungalow garden classic in shadowiness of apricot , lavender , pinkish , purple , red , blanched , yellowish , and multicolor .
The floweret are multi - petalous and loosely arranged on upright angry walk . plant may be columniform with one stem or sprays with multiple stem .
Mature dimensions are 12 to 36 inches magniloquent and nine to 18 inch wide .
caudex is a member of theBrassicaceae or cabbage family . Plant it as a specimen in beds and border where you’re able to handily reach it .
Column Blend Stock
Post - blossom , cut off the spent flowers and foliage to the crown to forestall them from decay in the summer heat and emitting a cabbagey odor .
Column Blend stock seeds areavailable from Botanical Interests .
This single - stem columnar commixture supplies a rainbow of twofold - petal blossoms on 24- to 30 - column inch stems .
18. Sunflower
Sunflower , Helianthus annuus , is an annual for zone 2 to 11 that blooms from give to other fall . It is broadly speaking chicken but flower may also be red .
The blossom may be as large as saucers . They are daisy - alike and lie of irradiation border a orotund , flat key disk of tiny blossoms . high range from one to 12 substructure marvelous and staking is often required .
It ’s helpful to note that the flower heads face east at maturity to take vantage of the sun ’s thawing rays .
imbed the tallest as back - of - bed backbone or abide - alone specimens . humble varieties are beseem to mixed bed groupings .
‘ Teddy Bear’Sunflower
H. annuus‘Teddy Bear’is a sunflower with downlike chickenhearted blooms that resemble pom poms . ripe plants measure two to three feet tall with a 14- to 16 - inch spread .
‘ Teddy Bear ’ sunflower seeds areavailable from Burpee .
There are alsonative perennial specieswith more modest flower sizes that you’re able to look at .
See ourguide to growing sunflowersfor more information .
19. Zinnia
Zinnia , Zinniaspp . , is an yearbook for zone 3 to 10 .
It comes in an array of colors and multicolor combinations ranging from hot pink and Citrus aurantifolia unripe to red and purple , with twofold , semi - bivalent , or individual ruffled or bland flower petal and a seeable or obscure center disk .
midget type are six to 12 inches improbable , and standard diverseness measure up to four feet tall , with a spread of one to two feet .
industrial plant have a mounding growth habit . Zinnias show well in beds , borders , drifts , and meadows .
‘ Amethyst Treasure ’ Zinnia
‘ Amethyst Treasure ’ is a hybrid zinnia cultivar with Battle of Magenta - purple fully - double blooms . The stems are 12 to 18 inches tall , and the plants are 14 to 18 inches wide at maturity .
‘ Amethyst Treasure ’ seed areavailable from Burpee .
Learn more about zinnias in our produce templet .
Plays Well with Others
Cosmos is an good-humored garden fellow traveller that bring a host ofbeneficial pollinatorsto the garden and supports biodiversity .
It is not a heavy self-feeder , so it does n’t deprive fellow plants of nutrients , nor is it invasive , so it does n’t crowd its neighbour .
With 19 exciting inflorescence option , it ’s time to take out yourgarden plannerand outline a scheme for cosmos and its friend .
conceive about color , shape , and texture .
Consider height and plan to place the marvelous at the back of bed . Alternate curt and tall specimen for undulating border .
And space munificently to accommodate mature dimensions without overcrowding .
Review bloom times and envision the garden from fountain to frost with flowering plant to delight you and visitors to your home , including pollinators and otherbeneficial insects .
If you found this article informative and would like toread more about cosmos refinement , we advocate the following :
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About
Nan Schiller
