Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus All Sorts Mixed
![cosmea [All Sorts Mixed]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5eed15783.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus All Sorts Mixed, commonly known as the Mexican Aster, is a captivatingly beautiful plant with an array of features that contribute to its ornamental value in any garden setting. The plant is characterized by its delicate, feathery foliage which is finely divided and possesses a light, airy texture. The foliage forms a lush backdrop for the flower display that the plant is most renowned for. The Mexican Aster blooms prolifically, producing flowers in a variety of colors including shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Each flower is composed of a ring of colorful, broad, petal-like structures radiating around a central button-like disc. The petals may display a range of patterns, from solid hues to charmingly striped or flecked appearances, with some blooms exhibiting vibrant contrasts in their petal tips. The structure of each individual flower is distinguished by its open, saucer-like form which provides easy access to pollinating insects. The flowers are typically single, but some blossoms can be semi-double or double, offering an even more elaborate appearance with multiple layers of petals adding depth and a lush, ruffled look. Accessorizing the flower heads are long, slender stems that gracefully sway with the gentlest of breezes, adding a dynamic and whimsical element to the plant's overall demeanor. The stems branch out elegantly from the main plant, creating a sense of fullness and volume in the plant profile. Adding further to the charm of the Mexican Aster are the seed heads that form after the blooming period. These seed heads are noteworthy in their own right, providing an interesting textural contrast to the garden as the seasons progress. Overall, the Mexican Aster is prized for its delightful color variety, charming flowers, and feathery foliage, elements which all combine to create a visually soft yet striking display. Whether planted in groups or as a standalone specimen, the Mexican Aster is sure to be a showstopper in any setting that seeks to celebrate the vibrant joys of nature's palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus, Cosmos sulphureus, Bidens formosa, Cosmos diversifolius, Cosmos formosus, Coreopsis formosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos flowers are not known to be toxic to humans. As with any plant, some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to Cosmos, but it is generally considered safe to handle and inadvertently ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause harm. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming Cosmos flowers. As with any non-food plant, consumption is not recommended and it is always best to be cautious and avoid ingestion.
To pets
Cosmos flowers are generally considered non-toxic to pets. While the plant is safe for most animals, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming large amounts of any non-food plants including Cosmos to avoid potential digestive issues. However, typical contact or minimal ingestion of Cosmos flowers is not expected to result in serious harm or toxic effects for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Cosmos bipinnatus adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its wide range of flower colors.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which helps pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is low-maintenance, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with little time for garden care.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Cosmos bipinnatus is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in dry conditions.
- Fast Growing: It grows quickly, providing a swift display of flowers often within a couple of months after sowing.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are suitable for cutting, making them perfect for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Long Blooming Period: Cosmos bipinnatus typically has a long flowering season, from mid-summer to fall.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for beds, borders, and containers, making it a versatile choice for different garden designs and spaces.
- Self-seeding: The plant often self-seeds, which can provide a continual display year after year with minimal effort.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos bipinnatus, also known as garden cosmos, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, producing various shades of yellow, orange, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- Garden cosmos petals can serve as a biodegradable confetti alternative for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- These flowers can be pressed and included in botanical art, providing an aesthetic quality to handmade papers and crafts.
- Garden cosmos can be utilized in flower photography to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, thereby supporting macro and nature photography.
- Seed heads of garden cosmos may be used in dried flower arrangements or as part of decorative wreaths and other dried botanical displays.
- The tall stems and vibrant flowers of garden cosmos are ideal for teaching children about plant growth and pollination in educational gardens.
- Dried cosmos flowers can be used in potpourri mixes for a subtle, natural fragrance in the home.
- Lightweight and colorful, dried cosmos petals can be used in crafting, such as making homemade paper or natural confetti for weddings.
- Garden cosmos can be incorporated into permaculture gardens as companion plants, believed to repel pests and improve the health of the vegetable garden.
- The vibrant and varied colors of garden cosmos make them useful in color therapy gardens, where they can be planted to create a specific mood or feeling.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Cosmos flowers are often associated with the aesthetic appreciation of harmony and beauty, in line with their delicate and ornamental petals.
- Order and Harmony: Its Latin name is derived from 'cosmo', a Greek word that means order, harmony, or the world. The arrangement of the flower's petals is said to symbolize the orderliness of the universe.
- Whimsy and Playfulness: Because cosmos plants sway freely in the wind and have a carefree appearance, they are often linked to a sense of playfulness or whimsy.
- Peace and Tranquility: The Cosmos flower is sometimes seen as a symbol of peace, due in part to its gentle and calming appearance.
- Innocence: The simple beauty of the cosmos flower is reminiscent of innocence, and it often symbolizes purity of thought and intention.
- Love and Devotion: With their bright, open flowers, cosmos are sometimes used to represent deep and enduring love in various aspects of life, including romantic relationships and family bonds.
- Balance: The radial symmetry of the cosmos flower speaks to a sense of balance in life and the universe, resonating with the idea of yin and yang in Eastern philosophies.
WaterThe Cosmos flower, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, should be watered regularly but be cautious not to overwater, as it prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. During the growing season, water the plant with about 1 gallon per week, adjusting as necessary during periods of rain or drought. Make sure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. Overhead watering is discouraged to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It's best positioned in a spot where it can receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day, which will promote vibrant blooms and strong growth. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to leggy plants and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Garden Cosmos performs best in a temperature range between 60°F and 85°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F to as high as 100°F. It's a hardy plant that can handle some temperature fluctuations, but prolonged freezes or extremely high temperatures may affect its growth and blooming. Ideal growing conditions are warm days followed by cooler nights.
PruningPruning Garden Cosmos is usually not necessary, but deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Clip off the dead flowers right below the flower head to promote continued blooming throughout the season. The best time for any heavier pruning, such as removing dead or damaged stems, is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, also known as Garden Cosmos, thrives in moderately fertile, well-draining soil with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix could consist of equal parts garden soil, peat, and sand for drainage.
RepottingGarden Cosmos doesn't typically require repotting as it is often grown as an annual. Plant seeds or seedlings each year for best results.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos is not overly sensitive to humidity levels and can thrive in the moderate ambient humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Garden Cosmos in a sunny spot and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and space plants 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as the Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, begins as a seed that germinates in warm soil during the spring or early summer, typically after the last frost. The seedlings emerge with their first pair of true leaves after establishing their initial root system. Throughout its vegetative stage, Garden Cosmos develops a sturdy stem and feathery foliage, preparing for the flowering phase. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer, with the plant producing a profusion of daisy-like blooms that vary in color—often shades of pink, purple, red, and white. After pollination, typically by bees and butterflies, the flowers develop into seed heads, which disperse seeds for the next generation. The plant completes its cycle when it dies back after frost in the fall, although in some climates, it may behave as a perennial, regrowing in the spring from root stock.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Cosmos, particularly the Cosmos bipinnatus All Sorts Mixed, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing Cosmos seeds is in the late winter to early spring if you are starting them indoors, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, typically after the last spring frost date. To propagate Cosmos by seed, you should scatter the seeds onto a well-drained soil mix and lightly cover them with about 1/8 inch of soil. They need plenty of light to germinate, so place them in a well-lit spot or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within 7-10 days at a temperature of around 75°F (24°C). Once seedlings have grown enough to handle and there is no risk of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors, spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for full growth.
