Jessie Keith
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
COSMOS bipinnatus 'Sonata Carmine'( SONATA SERIES)
Plant Common Name
Common Cosmos, Sonata Carmine
General Description
‘Sonata Carmine’ displays large, deep magenta daisies atop dwarf, bushy plants throughout the summer. A member of the Sonata Series, it was developed from a showy annual native to fields and open areas of Mexico, and is much shorter in stature than typical of the species.
Growing quickly from seed, the many-branched stems of this cosmos are densely lined with feathery, very finely divided, light to medium green foliage. A profusion of large, bowl-shaped daisies top the stems throughout the summer. They are composed of rich, wine-red ray petals surrounding a central button of yellow disc flowers. Butterflies will visit and flutter among the brilliant, cheerful blossoms.
Annual cosmos are heat-loving plants which grow best in full sun and moist to somewhat dry, well-drained soil of average to modest fertility. Seeds may be sown directly in the ground after danger of frost has passed, or may be started indoors several weeks before for earlier blooms. Remove faded blossoms regularly for best flowering and performance. Sonata Series cosmos are ideal for use as bedding annuals, in containers, or for filling gaps in mixed borders. They also make excellent cut flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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Plant Type
Annual
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Magenta
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
