Popular with beneficial insects, bees butterflies and other pollinators, and provides seed for garden birds. Grows to 1.2m tall and 60cm across in full sun or partial shade, and well-drained soils. Produces large white flowers from July to September. The petals can be used in salads.
This plant copes very well in droughts so is great for a water-wise garden.
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity'
Position: Flower border
Flowering months: Jul / Aug / Sep
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade / Dappled shade
Soil: Clay / Loam / Chalk / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes (but avoid heavy clay)
Drainage: Moist but well drained (never waterlogged)
Life cycle: Annual (flowers in its first year and then dies)
Hardiness: Half hardy (will survive a light frost)
Drought tolerant: Yes
