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Cosmos

Cosmos
Photo: Norwood
Invasive Plant
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
 

This feathery leaved annual can reach 1.5m in height but is more often seen 'en masse' 600-900mm high. It bears an abundance of daisy like blooms in spring with spot flowering at other times. Colours include shades of pink, purple, red and white. It seeds freely and can quickly establish stands in natural areas.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • As this plant is 'free seeding' it only takes a single plant to establish a broad colony on roadsides and other natural areas.
  • The plant can also regenerate from a small piece of stem, so effective disposal of garden waste is important.
 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Centaurea cyanus - Cornflower
  • Antirrhinum majus - Snapdragon

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Day Lilies
Photo: Lorna Rose
Alternative Plant Day Lilies
Hemerocallis species and hybrids
Trees and Shrubs
 

Showy strap leaved perennial forming dense clumps, with the most dazzling array of flower colours. Whilst flowers are short lived their prolific production ensures a constant cover of cream, yellow, pink, orange, red and even burgundy blooms. There are many new cultivars to choose from, bearing single or double flowers.

Golden Everlasting  Daisy
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Golden Everlasting Daisy
Xerochrysum bracteatum
Trees and Shrubs
 

This Australian annual or shortlived perennial, varies in habit from prostrate to a shrubby plant of about 1 m in height. The leaves are grey-green in colour and the deep golden flower heads are borne from spring through to late winter. The individual flowers are formed into a large cluster surrounded by large papery bracts. The Golden Everlasting Daisy has been cultivated for many years and a number of improved forms have been selected for cultivation. Ask at your local garden centre for the best varieties for your garden.

Japanese Windflower
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Japanese Windflower
Anemone hupehensis
Trees and Shrubs
 

A low growing perennial with tufts of mid green basal foliage divided in palmate fashion. The showy flowers rise above the foliage in autumn and appear in shades of mauve, white and pink. There are many new hybrids, seek sound horticultural knowledge on the most suitable local performers.

 
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