Sulphur Cosmos
Cosmos sulphureus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sulphur Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) is a annual forb. It blooms in June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Sulphur Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Native alternatives to Sulphur Cosmos
Sulphur Cosmos is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaSulphur cosmos is a cheerful annual wildflower that produces bright yellow to orange daisy-like blooms from early summer through frost. This easy-growing plant thrives in full sun and poor to average soils, making it perfect for naturalizing or filling gaps in flower beds. It self-seeds readily and attracts numerous pollinators throughout its long blooming season.
Growing Sulphur Cosmos
Grow Sulphur Cosmos in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sulphur Cosmos is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May self-seed prolifically if not deadheaded
Wildlife value
This cosmos variety is excellent for supporting bees and butterflies with its abundant nectar-rich flowers. The long bloom period from June through October provides consistent food sources when many other flowers have finished.
Common questions
- When does Cosmos sulphureus bloom?
- Cosmos sulphureus blooms from June through October, providing months of continuous color in late spring through fall.
- What pollinators visit Cosmos sulphureus?
- Cosmos sulphureus attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and native plant landscapes.
- Where is Cosmos sulphureus native?
- Cosmos sulphureus is native to North Carolina and other southeastern states, where it grows naturally in open areas and disturbed soils.
- What growing conditions does Cosmos sulphureus prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun with medium water requirements, though it can tolerate some drought once established.
- Is Sulphur Cosmos HOA-friendly?
- Sulphur Cosmos is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Sulphur Cosmos? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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