Exploring the cosmos
In the universe of flowering annuals, cosmos are among the most radiant. The flowers are held atop tall stems (1–6 feet, depending on the variety) with lacy or ferny leaves. These charmers work hard for little compensation (other than full sun). In fact, if the soil is too rich and fertile, they become lanky and produce more foliage than flowers. Once they emerge, the plants are very drought-tolerant. Cosmos is sometimes called “Mexican aster,” owing to its origin in the American tropics. There are more than a dozen varieties and mixes of solid colors to choose from, plus ‘Candy Stripe,’ with its white petals and red margins, and ‘Seashell,’ with its unique curled petals that appear tubular. Cosmos make beautiful, long-lasting floral arrangements.