Cosmos are annual flowers that produce abundant sprays of colorful blooms. They thrive in full sun and are drought tolerant. They flower best in poor soils with less organic matter. Cosmos are not cold tolerant.
Cosmos flowers are highly attractive to a variety of pollinators. Both honeybees and bumblebees are frequently seen visiting them for nectar and pollen. The bright colors of cosmos flowers attract butterflies. They also draw beneficial insects, including parasitic wasps, hoverflies, tachinid flies, and lacewings. These insects will help manage pests in your garden and pollinate your plants. Cosmos themselves are relatively pest-free and low maintenance.