Yellow Cosmos

Yellow cosmos add bright color and finely divided foliage to summer borders and cutting gardens. Cosmos is a diverse genus of annuals and perennials, and species differ in mature height, flower form, and growing needs; a yellow-flowered common name by itself does not establish a species or named cultivar. ## Garden placement Plant yellow-flowered cosmos in full sun as a repeated accent, massed annual display, or source of cut flowers. Cosmos flowers range in color across the genus, and annual types often bloom for months. Since mature dimensions vary widely among species and selections, use the size information for the specific seed or plant form being grown rather than assuming one genus-wide measurement. ## Growing conditions Most cosmos prefer ordinary, well-drained garden soil and do not flower well in shade. Avoid soil that remains waterlogged in summer, as well as very dry, poor ground. Many annual cosmos are easy to start from seed and can fill sunny beds with seasonal color. ## Maintenance Avoid overwatering and excess fertilizer, which can reduce flower production. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom, and remove annual plants when their display ends. [RHS: Cosmos genus guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/cosmos) · [North Carolina Extension: Cosmos](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cosmos/)