Orange Cosmos

Orange cosmos bring finely divided foliage and open, daisy-like flowers to summer borders and cutting beds. The genus includes annual and perennial species with different sizes and forms, so orange flower color alone does not identify one species or a specific named cultivar. ## Garden placement Use orange-flowered cosmos as a bright accent in a sunny annual border, a massed planting, or a cutting garden. The genus guide notes that annual cosmos are effective when planted in groups and can provide flowers for cutting over a period of months. Mature size varies substantially among species and selections, so allow space according to the exact plant or seed form you grow. ## Growing conditions Cosmos grow in full sun and most ordinary garden soils when summer drainage is good. Avoid both very dry, poor soil and heavy, persistently wet ground. The genus includes annuals that can be grown from seed as well as perennial species, so confirm the life cycle of the chosen form before planning winter care. ## Maintenance Do not overwater or overfertilize; these conditions can reduce flowering. Deadhead regularly to encourage further blooms and remove declining annual plants at the end of the season. [RHS: Cosmos genus guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/cosmos) · [North Carolina Extension: Cosmos](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cosmos/)