Cosmea Atrosanguineus 'Chocolate - Organic perennial

Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate' – Chocolate Cosmos

Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate', commonly known as Chocolate Cosmos, is a remarkable perennial with velvety, deep dark red to chocolate-brown flowers. The flowers have a distinctive sweet fragrance reminiscent of chocolate and cocoa, making this plant a delight not only for the eyes but also for the nose.

Chocolate Cosmos flowers throughout the summer and into early autumn, creating a beautiful focal point in a sunny border, cottage garden or container on the patio. Its dark flowers combine beautifully with plants bearing pink, white, purple or silvery foliage and flowers.

A flower that smells like chocolate 🍫

The most remarkable feature of Chocolate Cosmos is, of course, its chocolate-like fragrance. The scent is particularly noticeable in warm weather and when you get close to the flowers.

The flowers are deep reddish-brown to almost chocolate-brown, with a velvety appearance. The combination of the dark flowers and delicious fragrance makes Cosmos atrosanguineus a true talking point in the garden.

Long summer flowering

From around June or July until September, the flowers appear on slender stems above the foliage. Regularly removing faded flowers can encourage continued flowering.

Chocolate Cosmos is therefore an excellent choice for a sunny summer border where colour and fragrance are desired for several months.

Position and soil

Plant Chocolate Cosmos in a warm, sunny and sheltered position. Plenty of sun and warmth encourage abundant flowering and help bring out its characteristic fragrance.

A fertile, humus-rich and well-drained soil is ideal. Avoid permanently wet conditions, particularly during winter.

It also performs very well in containers. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

Not fully hardy

An important consideration is its limited winter hardiness. Cosmos atrosanguineus originates from Mexico and is not completely hardy in colder climates. Its tuberous roots can be damaged by severe frost, particularly when combined with cold, wet soil.

In the garden, plant it in a warm, sheltered and well-drained position and provide winter protection. On heavy or wet soils, it is safer to lift the tubers in autumn and overwinter them frost-free.

Plants grown in containers can easily be moved to a cool, frost-free location.

A special plant for enthusiasts

Chocolate Cosmos is not necessarily chosen because it is exceptionally large or low-maintenance. Its appeal lies in its unusual flowers, wonderful fragrance and unique appearance.

It looks beautiful in romantic and colourful borders, but also works wonderfully in contemporary gardens where the dark flowers create a sophisticated accent.

Why choose Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate'?

🍫 Delicious chocolate-like fragrance
🤎 Unusual dark reddish-brown to chocolate-brown flowers
🌸 Long flowering period from summer into early autumn
☀️ Thrives in a warm, sunny position
🌿 Striking focal plant
🪴 Excellent for containers and patios
🌱 Beautiful with perennials and ornamental grasses
✨ A real collector's plant

Plant type: tuberous perennial
Height: approx. 40–60 cm
Width: approx. 30–40 cm
Flowering: June/July–September
Flower colour: dark reddish-brown to chocolate-brown
Fragrance: sweet, chocolate-like/cocoa
Foliage: dark green, finely divided
Position: full sun
Soil: fertile, humus-rich and well drained
Moisture: average, but avoid permanently wet soil
Hardiness: moderate; protect from severe frost
Pruning: remove faded flowers; cut back foliage once it has died down
Special feature: characteristic chocolate fragrance