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Sensation Mix
Sensation Series; annual cosmos
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Sensation Series; annual cosmos
- Height × spread: 36 to 48 in (90 to 120 cm) × 20 to 40 in (50 to 100 cm)
- Bloom window: summer to frost
- Color & flower form: single daisies in pink, red, and white; 3 to 4 in heads
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in all zones; frost tender
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: moderate stem strength; harvest at cracking bud; typical vase life 4 to 7 days with preservative and cool conditioning.
- Pet safety: safe; generally non‑toxic to pets; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
How it differs
- Taller than many cosmos cultivars with stems to about 4 ft.
- Larger single blooms compared with dwarf and double forms.
- Open, branching habit that fills space lightly.
- More likely to need staking in windy gardens.
Strengths
- Long bloom from early summer to frost.
- Reliable in average garden soils with good drainage.
- Nectar‑rich flowers for pollinators.
- Good for cutting and informal borders.
Care in one minute
Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light.
Provide well‑drained soil with low to moderate fertility and neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Water to establish then water deeply but infrequently; avoid soggy soil.
Do not over‑fertilize; high nitrogen can reduce bloom.
Pinch young plants at 8 to 12 in to branch; stake where windy; deadhead to extend bloom.
Direct sow after frost or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost.
Watch‑outs
- Can flop without support in exposed sites.
- Growth may pause in extreme heat and humidity.
- Aphids and slugs can appear; grey mold in prolonged wet.
- Excess fertilizer can reduce bloom and increase foliage.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Sensation is a recognized series of Cosmos bipinnatus with tall, single‑flowered selections offered widely; detailed breeding origin is not stated in public sources.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Cosmos bipinnatus Sensation Series
- University of Illinois Extension – Cosmos care
- Veterinary Partner (VIN) – Safe and toxic garden plant images
