Cosmos atrosanguineus

The velvety, deep crimson-brown flowers of this tender perennial smell deliciously of chocolate; they are a fine 2-3' addition to the summer border, and butterflies love them too! S/M

A tuberous perennial 2-3' tall with coarsely cut foliage and intoxicating chocolate-scented flowers borne in summer. The flowers bear velvety petals of richest maroon and are highly attractive to birds. Regular to moderate water, hardy to 10F. Mexico.

Cosmos atrosanguineus, or Chocolate Cosmos, has such dark maroon flowers that they do occasionally approach the color of a Hershey's bar, though more the color of dried blood. It is occasionally called Black Cosmos. Even more remarkable, they have a faint scent of chocolate. The chocolatiness is most evident as evening approaches, toward the end of a hot summery day. The bulk of the foliage clump is about three feet tall, a tangle leaning twards the sun. The wiry stems that uphold each bloom rise from three to four feet high which is well above the foliage, with other blooms lower within the embrace of the foliage. It begins blooming in May, picks up speed in June, & in July the clump is chock full of bobbling blooms that easily catch a breeze. It will continue to produce blooms through mild early frosts. As a native of Mexico, Cosmos likes a lot of sun (but some shade in hot climates). Plant in sunny location in moist well-drained soil. A well established clump is supposed to be moderately drought tolerant. Above description and pictures courtesy of Paghat.com For sale are divisions with one or more growing eyes. They look like a small dahlia tuber. Supplies are limited.

This Dahlia relative actually overwinters here given good drainage and a mulch over winter. Dark foliage and wiry stems bearing black-red dark chocolate scented flowers. Extinct in the wild in Mexico except for this one sterile clone. Sniff. Sad.

This distinctive Cosmos has flowers that resemble those of a single-flowered Dahlia. They are a very dark, maroon-crimson with, as the common name suggests, a chocolaty aroma. Plants bloom all summer. Mulch in colder areas or simply treat as an annual.