The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Rose Bonbon' is a luxurious beauty that instantly adds a touch of elegance to the garden with its voluminous, petticoat-like blooms. This variety is known for its fully double flowers in a bright, candy-pink color, reminiscent of antique roses or small dahlias.
Properties and Growth Habit
This vigorous plant reaches a height of 80 to 120 cm, depending on location and soil quality. The sturdy, upright stems support the heavy, double flowers well, even in windy conditions. The fine, fresh green foliage provides an airy contrast to the dense, candy-like flower heads.
Sowing Instructions and Care
For the richest flowering, follow these steps:
- Pre-sowing (March-May): Sow the Cosmos seeds indoors in trays at a temperature of 20-22°C for rapid germination within 7 to 10 days.
- Planting outdoors (from mid-May): Move the seedlings into the open ground as soon as there is no longer any risk of night frost.
- Planting distance: Keep a distance of at least 30 cm between the plants, because they grow quite full and wide.
- Location: Choose a warm spot in full sun. The plant isn't picky about soil, but thrives best in well-drained soil.
Flowering Period and Maintenance
The 'Rose Bonbon' blooms tirelessly from July until well into October.
- Topping: For a bushier plant with more flower stems, you can remove the top of the plant when it is about 30cm tall.
- Deadheading: Cut off faded flowers immediately to encourage new bud formation and prevent seed formation.
- Support: Because of the height and the full flowers, a plant support can be useful in windy locations.
Perfect for the Pick-a-Pick Garden and Biodiversity
The 'Double Click Rose Bonbon' is an excellent cut flower; the double blooms last longer in a vase than the single-flowered varieties. For maximum vase life, pick the stems when the buds are showing color but just barely open. This cosmos is also a magnet for butterflies and bees, which, despite the double bloom, can still find nectar.
