Discovered by a keen-eyed nursery manager, the velvety blooms of Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Black Forest’ not only look stunning, they emit a sumptuous, dark, chocolate scent. Solitary, nectar-rich, buttercup-shaped blooms, with reddish purple-brown petals, streaked cream, are held on long, strong stalks to sway in the breeze, creating movement in your garden from July to October. Held high above pretty, willowy, green foliage which is retained from March to October. When in bloom, ‘Black Forest’ offers you clouds of sumptuous, vanilla-chocolate scent, without any of the calories! Cosmos atrosanguineus originates in Mexico. The seeds were first collected and brought to Europe in the 1860’s since then almost all varieties of the pretty flower have become a firm favourite. Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Black Forest’ is a tuberous, herbaceous perennial which is half-hardy (H3) to -5°C. Plant in well-drained soil, if your garden is clay, grow in pots and move to a sheltered spot in winter, away from excessive wet and cold. Deer resistant, ‘Black Forest’ prefers to be grown in a sunny position with east, south or west facing aspect, where it will reach a height of around 60cm, with a spread of up to 50cm.
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