This species of Cosmos is considered a half-hardy annual, although plants may re-appear via self-sowing for several years.

The plant height varies from 1–7 feet (30–210 cm).

The original and its cultivars appear in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

It is especially popular in Korea and Japan, where it is often seen in mass plantings along roadsides, following an initiative pursued by the Korean-Japanese botanist Woo Jang-choon.

Cultivars include: (those marked agm have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit).