Cosmos ‘Cosmic Orange’

'Cosmic Orange' cosmos in bloom.

* Common name: Cosmos ‘Cosmic Orange’

* Botanical name: Cosmos sulphureus ‘Cosmic Orange’

* What it is: A reseeding annual flower with lacy foliage that produces neon orange, walnut-sized flower heads from late June into August.

* Size: 12 to 14 inches tall with similar spread

* Where to use: Sunny island gardens, border beds, cut-flower gardens or anywhere you’re looking for a bright “cottagey” or meadow look. Prefers full sun.

* Care: ‘Cosmic Orange’ is a prolific seeder… plant it once and lots more will sprout by themselves each spring. Main job is thinning seedlings and/or moving them where you want them in spring. Shear off spent flowers right after bloom to limit seeding, to neaten the plants and to encourage repeat bloom. An annual spring scattering of Flower-tone or a similar high-phosphorus organic fertilizer is optional.

* Great partner: Purple angelonia or purple heliotrope (both annuals).