Cosmos are light, airy flowers that bring a relaxed, cottage-garden feel to any backyard. Loved for their delicate petals and feathery foliage, cosmos are incredibly easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations with minimal care.
They bloom continuously from summer into fall and are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. From tall, classic varieties to compact options for small spaces, these are the most popular types of cosmos to grow in your backyard.
1. Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos bipinnatus is the most common and widely grown cosmos species. It features delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, paired with soft, feathery foliage. This variety thrives in full sun, tolerates poor soil, and blooms continuously from summer into fall.
2. Cosmos sulphureus
Cosmos sulphureus produces bright orange, yellow, and red blooms with slightly thicker foliage. It is very heat-tolerant and grows well in hot, sunny conditions. This variety adds bold color and works especially well in pollinator and wildflower gardens.
3. Sensation Mix Cosmos
Sensation Mix cosmos are tall plants with large, showy blooms in mixed pastel and bright colors. They create a classic cottage-garden look and are easy to grow from seed. This variety performs best in full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Bright Lights Cosmos
Bright Lights cosmos are a type of sulphureus cosmos known for their vivid orange and yellow flowers. They grow quickly and bloom heavily throughout the summer. This variety is ideal for gardeners looking to add warm, cheerful color with minimal effort.
5. Purity Cosmos
Purity cosmos produce clean, pure white blooms that stand out beautifully against green foliage. They grow tall and add a soft, elegant look to garden beds. This variety is popular in traditional and cottage-style gardens and thrives in full sun.
6. Candy Stripe Cosmos
Candy Stripe cosmos are known for their white petals edged with pink or magenta, giving them a hand-painted look. Each flower has a slightly different pattern, adding visual interest to the garden. This variety grows tall and airy and thrives in full sun with minimal care.
7. Sonata Cosmos
Sonata cosmos are compact plants with large blooms, making them ideal for small gardens and containers. They come in shades of pink, rose, and white. This variety is easy to grow and blooms consistently in sunny locations.
8. Sea Shells Cosmos
Sea Shells cosmos have unique tubular petals that curl into delicate shell-like shapes. They bloom in soft pinks, whites, and purples and add texture to garden beds. This variety grows tall and looks especially striking mixed with other flowers.
9. Double Click Cosmos
Double Click cosmos produce full, double blooms that resemble small peonies or carnations. They come in shades of pink, rose, and white and add a lush look to the garden. This variety grows tall and works well in cutting gardens.
10. Rubenza Cosmos
Rubenza cosmos are known for their deep ruby-red flowers that gradually fade to rose tones as they age. They stay more compact than many tall cosmos varieties. This variety adds rich color and works well in borders and containers.
11. Cosmic Orange Cosmos
Cosmic Orange cosmos produce bright orange blooms with a neat, compact growth habit. They are very heat-tolerant and bloom continuously through the summer. This variety is perfect for borders, containers, and hot, sunny garden spots.
12. Versailles Cosmos
Versailles cosmos are tall plants with strong, straight stems and large flowers. They are especially popular for cutting gardens because the blooms hold up well in arrangements. This variety thrives in full sun and adds height and elegance to garden beds.
13. Picotee Cosmos
Picotee cosmos feature white or pale pink petals outlined with a darker edge, giving them a refined, decorative look. They grow tall and airy and blend well with cottage-style plantings. This variety performs best in full sun with well-drained soil.
14. Dwarf Cosmos
Dwarf cosmos stay compact and are ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers. They produce plenty of blooms despite their smaller size. This variety is easy to grow and works well in tight spaces where taller cosmos may not fit.
15. Apricot Lemonade Cosmos
Apricot Lemonade cosmos are prized for their soft, pastel apricot and creamy yellow blooms. They add a gentle, romantic look to backyard gardens. This variety grows to a medium height and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
