Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Carmine'

Common name: Cosmos 'Apollo Carmine'

Description: This vibrant annual produces abundant, saucer-shaped flowers in rich carmine-red that create a bold display throughout summer and into autumn. The striking blooms are held on slender stems above finely divided, ferny foliage, bringing intense colour and cottage garden charm to borders. 'Apollo Carmine' is a compact variety perfect for the front to mid-border positions, containers, and cutting gardens. The flowers are excellent for cutting and particularly attractive to pollinators, providing valuable nectar from June through to the first frosts. This easy-to-grow cosmos brings months of vibrant red colour with minimal care, self-seeding gently to return year after year.

Other benefits: long flowering season, excellent cut flower, compact habit, self-seeds, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, hoverflies

Height & spread (approx.) at maturity: 60cm x 30cm

Position: full sun

Soil pH: adaptable; performs well in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate watering needs; well-drained soil preferred; tolerates some drought

Winter hardiness: treat as annual