Hummingbirds are known for their love of bright, vibrant flowers, and there’s one bloom that seems to have a particularly magnetic appeal: chocolate cosmos.
At first glance, you might think it’s the enticing chocolate scent that draws these tiny birds to the cosmos. While the fragrance is indeed delightful for humans and other pollinators, it’s the striking color that truly captivates hummingbirds.
– Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that receives full sun and ensure the soil is well-drained. Chocolate cosmos thrive best in bright sunlight and need well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
– Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once the plants are established. Maintaining consistent moisture helps young plants develop, but mature plants need less frequent watering.
Chocolate cosmos do more than just attract hummingbirds. Their sweet scent and striking appearance also lure butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to your garden.
Chocolate cosmos and other bright, nectar-rich plants may make your yard a hummingbird refuge. Zinnias, salvia, and verbena complement chocolate cosmos.
Certain look-alike hummingbird pairs can be maddeningly difficult to distinguish, even for experienced birders.