Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Picotee' – Elegance and color contrast in one summer flower

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Picotee' is a unique and striking variety within the cosmos family. This beautiful annual is known for its large, open flowers with delicate two-tone markings. The petals are bright white with a subtle to pronounced raspberry-pink edge—a so-called picotee edge —creating an elegant and enchanting color contrast. Its graceful appearance, long-lasting blooms, and airy habit make 'Sensation Picotee' a true asset to any ornamental garden, cutting garden, or wildflower border.

Botanical characteristics

Cosmos bipinnatus originates from Mexico and is a summer-flowering umbelliferous plant. The cultivar 'Sensation Picotee' clearly distinguishes itself from other cosmos varieties by its characteristic color pattern. The flowers are usually 8–10 cm wide and have a bright yellow center that attracts pollinators. The plant reaches a height of 90 to 130 centimeters, making it ideal as a back planting in borders or as a striking specimen in natural gardens.

The foliage is finely feathered and almost cloud-like, giving the plant a light, elegant appearance. This airy green contrasts beautifully with the delicate two-tone flowers that appear from early summer to late autumn.

Exceptionally long flowering period

A key advantage of cosmos is its exceptionally long blooming period. 'Sensation Picotee' typically starts blooming in June and continues unabated until the first frost. Regularly removing spent flowers encourages the plant to continuously produce new buds. This makes this cultivar ideal for gardeners who want to enjoy long-lasting color and movement in their garden.

Location and cultivation

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Picotee' is easy to grow and an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. The plant is exceptionally hardy, grows quickly, and requires little soil.

Growing tips:

• Sow indoors from April or directly outdoors from May.

• Choose a sunny spot; cosmos need plenty of light for profuse flowering.

• Use a well-draining, light soil – cosmos do not like wet roots.

• Maintain a planting distance of 30–40 cm for airy growth.

• Water sparingly; cosmos are drought tolerant once established.

• In strong winds the tall stems may require light support.

This plant thrives in borders, prairie gardens, natural plantings, and colorful flowerbeds. It's also a favorite in the cutting garden thanks to its strong stems and graceful flowers.

Attractive to bees and butterflies

Like other cosmos varieties, 'Sensation Picotee' is particularly popular with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its open flowers provide easy access to nectar and pollen, making the plant a valuable contribution to garden biodiversity. Anyone looking to create an insect-friendly garden will find this cosmos an excellent choice.

Ideal cut flower for bouquets

The long, sturdy stems and delicate two-tone flowers make 'Sensation Picotee' perfect for fresh bouquets. The flowers last a long time in the vase and make an elegant addition to both wild and romantic flower arrangements. Regular picking also encourages even more abundant blooms – ideal for cutting gardens and flower lovers.

Applications in different garden styles

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Picotee' fits effortlessly into various garden concepts:

• Cottage garden: Combines beautifully with dahlias, zinnias, larkspur and lavatera.

• Natural garden: The airy growth is a good match for ornamental grasses and other prairie plants.

• Modern borders: The refined color contrast adds tranquility and elegance.

• Pick-a-pick gardens: Ideal because of the long flowering period and strong cutting quality.

Summary

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Picotee' is an elegant, striking, and long-blooming summer plant that enhances any garden. The bicolor picotee flowers give the plant a timeless charm, while its vigorous growth habit and minimal maintenance make it suitable for almost any gardener. From natural borders to cutting gardens, this cosmos brings beauty, movement, and life to any outdoor space.