Cosmos atrosanguineus

The Cosmos atrosanguineus, commonly known as the Chocolate Cosmos, is a perennial tuberous plant with unique flowers. These dark and deep hues give them an alluring look throughout the summer. At birth, they are adorned with a beautiful, almost black-purple robe, which will slightly lighten as they bloom until a dark red. Their fragrance also adds a surprising touch. It perfectly reproduces the scent of cocoa and immediately awakens delicious memories.

Cosmos atrosanguineus is a plant from Mexico that requires warm and sunny weather. It is sensitive to temperatures below -5°C. To grow it in cooler climates, you should cultivate it like Dahlias. It's best to dig up the tubers and store them in the winter. You can avoid this extra step by planting it in a pot, allowing you to move it to high-traffic areas to enjoy its Chocolate Cosmos fragrance fully. This plant's scent is so convincing that it earned its name.

Reaching 60 cm (24in) tall and 40 cm (16in) wide. The base consists of most of the plant's leaves. They are deciduous, dark green, and compound. The stems are thin, long, and reddish. They elegantly sway with the breeze. At their top, small heads crown them. They comprise a heart of tubular flowers and 7 to 8 ligules on the periphery, with barely toothed edges. The whole measures a few centimetres (about 5), but the colours attract attention. Brown to black reflections, a range of robust reds, and a few touches of golden yellow scattered in the centre to warm it all up. The palette of shades is subtle and rare; insects do not mistake it: the parade is constant from July to October.

This plant, called cosmos, looks great when planted at the edge of a flowerbed that gets plenty of sunlight. You can either plant them in groups to create a dense and mysterious effect or mix them with other summer flowers, like roses, to add contrast. Additionally, they look great next to silver-grey foliage, which helps bring out their beauty.

If you prefer to keep the cosmos in a pot, make sure to place it in an area with lots of light so you can see the different shades of colour on the petals.