Cosmos, a Compositae comprised of 46 species, is widely available and grow in Zones 7-11. Most need moderate watering. Many are around 1½ feet tall and come in a variety of colors including the dark red Cosmos atrosanguineus.

Cosmos bipinnatus, a pink-flowering annual, grows to 6 ½ feet tall by 1 ½ feet wide and can be grown from seed. It grows in Zones 7-11, needs moderate watering and prefers full sun. It can be grown in a large container. It is native to the southern United States.

In addition to the butterflies that come to plants in the Compositae family to feed, Cosmos bipinnatus attracts Vanessa cardui, PAINTED LADY and Pieris napi, GREEN-VEINED WHITE.