Discover a unique cosmos, Seashells has petals that curl round into little tubes, creating wonderfully unusual flowers that really do have something of a seashell about them. These petals come in a range of lovely shades of white, crimson and shell-pink, along with some beautiful two-tone combinations, surrounding a bright yellow centre that adds a vibrant pop of colour. And it is that open centre that bees, butterflies and hoverflies love to visit throughout the long flowering season.
🌸 Flowering: July to October
📏 Height to 80cm
🌿 Annual
💧 Drought tolerant once they are established
Sow: in situ in May/June or earlier in spring in trays of seed compost. Barely cover with compost or vermiculite and keep gently warm. Prick out when they reach the two-leaf stage and grow on.
Grow: harden off and plant out from the end of May onwards. For clumps, space 30-40cm apart. For bushier plants, pinch out growing tips when plants reach 15-20cm tall. They like to be in a sunny position and may need staking.
Enjoy: this is one to look at up close. Every flower is a little different, with those curious rolled petals creating all sorts of shapes and colour combinations.
🏡 In your garden
• Patio and container plants
• Cottage and informal gardens
• Wildlife and pollinator plantings
• Flower borders and beds
• Cut flower gardens
✂️ Cut flower
• Strong stems
• Fresh vase life of 5 to 7 days, 10 days if picked at bud stage
• Pick in the cool of the morning and when the buds are just starting to show colour
• Cut-and-come-again for even more flowers
• The feathery foliage also looks good in arrangements but strip any that would be below the water line.
🐝 Wildlife friendly
• RHS Plants for Pollinators recommended
• Long season of flowers into the autumn
💡 Did you know?
Treat it mean and it'll flower its socks off! Rich soil encourages lots of lush green growth but fewer flowers, so give Seashells a sunny spot, lean soil and don't be tempted to feed it.
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