What started as a happy accident has turned into an annual highlight for Tasting Room visitors and Pippin wedding couples alike.
When Do the Cosmos Bloom?
Cosmos begin blooming in late July or early August and stay in peak color through September and October. The season ends around November 1, when the first frost arrives in Charlottesville, the flowers die back, and the field is cleared until the next planting season.
How It All Began
A few years ago, Pippin Hill’s horticulture team began exploring creative ways to reimagine the seven acres of hayfield at the base of the property. The original idea was to plant a perennial wildflower meadow, but since those take several years to establish, the team decided to plant a temporary annual to bring color to the fields in the meantime.
That first season, the cosmos seeds were not perfectly mixed, which resulted in a dense and unexpectedly full lower meadow. What started as a happy accident quickly became a guest favorite. Visitors loved the vibrant, airy blooms so much that we decided to bring them back year after year. The field also became a favorite backdrop for wedding couples, creating showstopping photos framed by the colorful flowers.
A Walk Through the Cosmos
This year marks the first time that Head Gardener Celina DeBrito and the horticulture team created a walking path through a portion of the field, giving guests a new way to experience it up close. The winding path invites visitors to step inside and be surrounded by blooms on all sides. It also helps protect the plants by keeping foot traffic contained and the flowers in better shape throughout the season.
Why Cosmos?
Cosmos are easy to grow, full of charm, and undeniably photogenic. Their soft pinks and purples complement the property’s signature color palette and natural aesthetic, echoing the hues found throughout our gardens and wedding florals. The choice also reflects the horticulture team’s thoughtful approach to garden design, creating a romantic and timeless feel.
Create Your Own Cosmos Field
If you are inspired to bring a bit of Pippin Hill home, cosmos are among the easiest flowers to grow. Before planting, it is important to prepare your soil well. Clear out any weeds or grasses so the young seedlings have room to grow, and loosen the soil so the roots can spread easily. Cosmos thrive in soil that drains well and does not need to be overly rich.
Here are a few tips from our horticulture team:
- Start from seed: Sow cosmos directly into the soil after the last frost.
- Choose a sunny spot: They need full sun to produce tall, delicate stems and plentiful blooms.
- Avoid over-fertilizing: Rich soil or too much fertilizer can lead to more leaves than flowers.
- Deadhead often: Regular trimming encourages new blooms and extends the flowering season.
Each season, we are delighted to share the bright blooms that blanket the lower meadow with our guests and community. The view is truly special and has become a favorite part of late summer and fall at Pippin Hill. To experience them in person, we invite you to join us in the Tasting Room and take in one of the most picturesque times of year at Pippin Hill.
