The Hummingbird-Favorited Flower You Can Overwinter To Enjoy Again In The Summer And Fall

Planting a variety of flowers that draw hummingbirds – also known as hummers — to a garden is a great way to enjoy their antics as they fly from bloom to bloom and hover closely to sip energy-providing nectar. You may have heard that cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is one of the flowers that helps hummingbirds thrive, and that's true. But more specifically, how about chocolate cosmos (Cosmos astrosanguineus)? It's a chocolatey-smelling flower you'll want in your garden if decide you pull out all the stops to attract these entertaining little birds. 

This is a unique variety of cosmos has blooms in a deep brown-red coloring and a scent some have described it as being akin to red velvet cake. That's a particularly appropriate description given not only the color of the flowers but the velvety feel of the petals. In addition to attracting hummers, other beneficial garden pollinators frequent chocolate cosmos as well. And because it's not an annual like its cosmos relatives, you can enjoy it year after year if overwintered properly whether you plant it in a garden bed or a container.

Since chocolate cosmos is a tender perennial, you don't have nurture new plants over and over to enjoy the beauty, fragrance, and propensity to attract entertaining hummingbirds and pollinators like butterflies to a garden. This differs from other types of cosmos that are annuals and have to be replanted each year to enjoy their blooms. They can be planted as landscaping plants or grown in containers so you can enjoy their fragrance on patios, too. 

Chocolate cosmos, which grow from tubers rather than seeds, are at their best in full sun. They thrive in average, well-draining soil with moderate moisture, although they are known for being drought tolerant. Their flowers growing on slim stems will reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and the plants spread in width from 1 to 2 feet. Just as you don't want to overwater them, be sure to fertilize sparingly, too; when fed too much, they can produce excess leaves rather than blooms. Deadheading these flowers in your garden as they wither will encourage more blooms over a good part of the summer and into early fall since they produce flowers from June to September. When they're not attracting hummingbirds, these tall blooms can also be used in cut flower arrangements in your home.

Some flowering perennials can withstand frigid winters better than others. As tender perennials (plants that can live for several years but are not usually frost tolerant), chocolate cosmos are hardy only in zones 9 to 11. When they're used as landscaping plants in those areas, it's best to cut them completely back in autumn after the flowers have all faded and the leaves have turned yellow. The tubers remaining in the ground should sprout for you again in the spring. In zones 4 to 8, chocolate cosmos can be overwintered like tender bulbs by digging up the tubers and storing them indoors. You can replant them in the springtime after dividing them, if needed.

Another alternative is planting the tubers in a container to begin with so you can find the best sun-drenched spot to grow them on your patio. As an added benefit, the pot will be more portable when it's time to decide where to overwinter it. It may be necessary to bring the container indoors depending on where you live, but if you've had success overwintering plants that are cold tolerant to your zone or one zone hardier in your garage, you can try moving it there or another unheated space that can provide adequate shelter. With some consideration and careful overwintering, these tender perennials can indeed be enjoyed year after year.