A Chocolate Cosmo is not just another flower

It's the only flower that will make you think of eating chocolate, because yes, yes, it really does smell like chocolate! A chocolate cosmo is a very beautiful, delicate yet outstanding garden perennial. It's officially named Cosmos atrosanguineus, and this is a flower that is an absolute delight to grow in the garden, and to have on hand for gifting in floriography. In the language of flowers, it has a separate meaning from other cosmos, which are a different species, Cosmos bipinnatus, which are half hardy annuals. 

 

I adore using the chocolate cosmos for gift of floriography. Just look how enchanting and meaningful this gift of a simple unconstructed arrangement of just 5 stems can be...with a sentiment tag attached, it is conveying such heartfelt sentiments to it's recipient. And a bonus vintage bottle to boot!

When you use the chocolate cosmo in a bride's posy...well, it elevates the look and feel with that pop of deep maroon color, and adds a velvety touch. Not to mention the sentiment on the that conveys 'the deepest love for you'. 

 Cosmos in the garden

The two different species of cosmos shown above behave a little differently in the garden. The chocolate cosmo comes from Mexico, therefore a tender perennial. If you live in a cold climate where your winters reach freezing temperatures consistently, you'll need to protect them or dig them up and overwinter in the greenhouse. 

Cosmos bipinnatus is a half hardy annual, which means it's going to die off completely every year. But, more often than not, it will reseed itself, and especially if you live in a mild climate. I have had one single group of these reseed itself for several years before finally dying off completely. Either way, and with both species, they are an absolute joy to see and grow in the garden. The bipinnatus species come in shades of purples, deep pinks, all the way up to pure white, so they add such lovely pops of color when needed. I think the most charming thing about cosmos is their dainty petal formations, and their long, airy legs, which continuously sway with any breeze. And with their open-faced centers, are just an easy meal for the pollinators who absolutely love them.

Now, what variety will you grow in  your own garden? Both I hope!

And by the way, did you know that you can reference virtually any flower's meaning by using my online dictionary? You can! Check out New Language of Flowers.