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Sonata White
Sonata Series; annual cosmos
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Sonata Series; annual cosmos
- Height × spread: 12 to 16 in (30 to 40 cm) × 10 to 20 in (25 to 50 cm)
- Bloom window: summer to frost
- Color & flower form: pure white single daisies; about 3 in heads
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in all zones; frost tender
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: shorter stems than tall types; harvest just as the first petals open; trials report vase life of about 5 to 8 days depending on conditions.
- Pet safety: safe; generally non‑toxic to pets; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
How it differs
- Dwarf habit for containers and tight beds.
- Earlier and more even flowering than many tall strains.
- Shorter stems reduce lodging in wind.
- Pure white color reads clearly in small gardens.
Strengths
- Compact plants fit containers and front borders.
- Long blooming with regular deadheading.
- Attractive to pollinators.
- Low maintenance in average soils.
Care in one minute
Give full sun and well‑drained soil with low to moderate fertility.
Water to establish then water when the top inch is dry.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers to keep plants floriferous.
Pinch young plants once to encourage branching; deadhead spent blooms.
Start indoors or direct sow after frost for continuous color.
Watch‑outs
- Stems are shorter for cutting than tall cultivars.
- Grey mold can develop in prolonged wet weather.
- Aphids may appear on soft growth.
- Over‑fertilizing can reduce bloom show.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
RHS lists trade name ‘PAS1789’ for ‘Sonata White’ within the Sonata Series; breeder details are not publicly specified.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sonata White’ (PAS1789)
- Royal Horticultural Society – Cosmos advice page
- NC State Extension – Cosmos bipinnatus profile
- Veterinary Partner (VIN) – Safe and toxic garden plant
