Cosmos atrosanguineus, the chocolate cosmos, is a species of Cosmos that produces dark red to black or brownish red flowers which have a scent resembling chocolate, which is one reason for its popularity as a cultivated plant.

Cosmos atrosanguineus is a herbaceous perennial plant. The flowers are up to 5 cm diameter, dark red to maroon-dark brown, and have a light vanillin fragrance (like many chocolates), which becomes more noticeable towards the end of the day. The plants are often grown from seeds, and the plants form a tuberous root.

Although it had been reported that Cosmos atrosanguineus was extinct in the wild, field work showed that it grew in the states of certain areas of Mexico. It is found in mixed pine and oak forest.

It requires partial sun or full sun, and flowers from mid to late summer. It is perennial in zones 6-11. In  colder areas the tuber can be dug up and stored in a frost-free area over the winter.

Although cosmos smells like chocolate, it should not be eaten.

Rare seeds.

Type: Perennial, often grown as an annual as it blooms first year from seed.

Location: Sun or part sun

Height: 24", 60cm

Seeds per packet: 5