Cosmos atrosanguineus Chocamocha

Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocamocha' is a unique variety that resembles a chocolate plant. Its delicate flowers are a combination of brown hues and purple reflections that look like silk and velvet. During hot weather, it exudes a pleasant aroma of vanilla and chocolate that is stronger than that of the wild plant from which it originates. This particular cosmos is very compact and has different foliage, which makes it stand out from the others. Although it is often considered an annual, it is actually a perennial plant that is vulnerable to frost but can withstand heat and drought. It can be grown in a manner similar to that of a Dahlia. It grows best in light, humus-rich, moist to dry soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is ideal for flowering pots or for planting at the front of borders.

 The Cosmos atrosanguineus plant belongs to the Aster family and is native to Mexico. Unlike other plants, it cannot produce viable seeds and is mainly propagated through division of tubers. It looks more like a Dahlia than a cosmos. The closely related 'Choca Mocha' variety is also primarily propagated vegetatively. It grows from a fleshy tuber which is sensitive to frost and quickly forms a clump of 40 cm (15.7 in) in all directions starting from spring. The foliage is slightly lobed and somewhat resembles that of peonies. It is composed of glaucous green leaves that are slightly tinged with dull violet. The plant remains low. The floral stems appear from June to October, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed. The flowers are grouped in heads consisting of ligulate florets with a brownish-purple colour on the periphery and a dark heart of tubular florets. These heads are highly fragrant, especially in hot weather. This variety produces few, if any, viable seeds.

The Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Choca Mocha' is a stunning plant that pairs well with grey and silver foliage. Whether in borders or containers, it will complement other plants such as Artemisias, Bear's Ears or Silver Ragwort. Its warm-toned flowers will beautifully brighten up pastel colours like the pink or blue of annual poppies or the azure of the blue thistle. The plant will stand out against the acidic green foliage of bipinnate cosmos and Alchemilla mollis.

Please note that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receiving them, it's important to transplant them and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame, etc.) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.