Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Antiquity'
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Antiquity' is a visually striking plant known for its unique and stunning flowers. The blossoms are characterized by an intriguing shade of burnt sienna that fades to a delicate, rosy blush pink hue at the tips as they mature, creating a beautiful two-tone effect. This gradient of color presents a warm, antique appearance, hence its name 'Antiquity'. Each flower is composed of a ring of broad, fluted petals that fan out gracefully from a central eye, which often has a golden or yellow color, adding to the visual contrast and allure. The foliage of Cosmos 'Antiquity' is feathery and fern-like, providing an airy and delicate backdrop that complements the boldness of the flowers. The leaves are arranged in an opposite fashion along the stems and are finely dissected, giving them an almost lace-like quality. This fine texture allows the plant to sway gently with the breeze, adding a dynamic and lively element to the garden. Overall, Cosmos 'Antiquity' has an elegant and whimsical charm. The contrast between the sturdy, upright stems and the soft-looking foliage, coupled with the dramatic coloration of the flowers, makes it an attractive choice for gardeners seeking to create a cottage garden aesthetic or simply to add a pop of vintage color to their landscape. It is often cherished for its long blooming season and its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators, bringing a lively presence to any planting space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Antiquity'.
ToxicityTo humans
The garden cosmos is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of toxicity or poisoning from the ingestion of garden cosmos. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities can exist, and it's always wise to avoid ingesting plants not meant for consumption without proper knowledge or preparation.
To pets
Garden cosmos are also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from consuming garden cosmos. Nonetheless, pet owners should always monitor their pets around plants, as individual animals may have different reactions, and consuming non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or other health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Burgundy
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- Easy to grow: Cosmos 'Antiquity' are known for their ease of cultivation and low maintenance requirements, making them perfect for novice gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators: The plant is excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Long flowering season: Cosmos 'Antiquity' blooms for an extended period, often from early summer until the first frosts, adding long-lasting color to garden beds and landscapes.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its unique color, ranging from deep burgundy to a burnt orange as the flowers mature, it adds aesthetic appeal and can be used for ornamental purposes in garden design.
- Drought tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Ideal for cut flowers: The stems of Cosmos 'Antiquity' are sturdy and the blooms last well when cut, making them perfect for creating floral arrangements.
- Easy propagation: They readily produce seeds that can be collected and sown the following year, making them an economical addition to the garden.
- Versatility in use: Suitable for borders, bedding, pots, and containers, Cosmos 'Antiquity' offers flexibility in garden design and placement.
- Edging and borders: Its height and bushy nature make it ideal for creating borders or edging in the garden.
- Quick growth: Cosmos 'Antiquity' grows relatively quickly from seed, reaching maturity and blooming within a single season.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some other plants, Cosmos 'Antiquity' tends not to be invasive, so it won't take over your garden or naturalize in an aggressive manner.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a dye plant: The Cosmos 'Antiquity' flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from pinks to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Ink production: The petals can be crushed and mixed with a solvent to create a botanical ink for use in art or writing.
- Craft projects: Dried flowers of Cosmos 'Antiquity' are often used in scrapbooking, card making, and other paper crafts for decoration.
- Companion planting: It is believed that planting Cosmos 'Antiquity' in the garden may deter certain pests, acting as a natural pest control for vegetable crops.
- Natural confetti: Dried petals of this cosmos can be tossed as biodegradable confetti at celebrations such as weddings.
- Photography: With its attractive appearance, Cosmos 'Antiquity' is often used by photographers as a subject for botanical and garden photography.
- Educational tool: Cosmos 'Antiquity' can be used in schools or educational programs to teach students about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of a flower.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers add a unique antiqued color and texture to bouquets and floral displays.
- Culinary decoration: Edible petals of Cosmos 'Antiquity' may be used to garnish salads, desserts, or cocktails for an elegant touch.
- Homemade potpourri: The dried petals and buds can be combined with other dried flowers and spices to create fragrant potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Antiquity', commonly known as Cosmos, is often associated with harmony and balance due to its evenly spaced petals and its harmonious appearance in gardens.
- Order and Unity: The symmetrical form of Cosmos flowers symbolizes a sense of order and unity in the universe, reflecting the plant’s name derived from the Greek word for a balanced universe.
- Beauty: The delicate and ornate petals of the Cosmos 'Antiquity' reflect beauty and grace, often used to convey appreciation of aesthetics in a garden setting.
- Peace: With its gentle swaying on breezy days, Cosmos is associated with tranquility and peace, offering a calming presence.
- Modesty: Despite its vibrant appearance, the Cosmos can represent modesty due to its simple yet elegant form, resonating with themes of unpretentious beauty.
- Love: The Cosmos flower can also symbolize deep love. Its use in bouquets and gardens often signifies the expression of affectionate feelings.
WaterFor the garden cosmos, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots, but do not let them sit in waterlogged soil. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week with about 1 to 2 gallons, depending on rainfall and temperature. It's best to water in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
LightThe garden cosmos thrives in full sun conditions, so it's best to position them in a spot where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Too little light can lead to leggy plants with fewer flowers, so ensure they are in the brightest area of your garden for optimal blooming.
TemperatureThe garden cosmos can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage or kill the cosmos. Avoid planting them outside until all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
PruningPruning the garden cosmos promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut or pinch back the stems by one-third in early to mid-summer to maintain plant shape and size. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. A balanced mix can be created using one part garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. For best results, add a slow-release fertilizer to the mix to satisfy the plant's nutritional needs.
RepottingGarden Cosmos typically doesn't require frequent repotting and may only need it every few years if grown in a container. It's best to repot when the plant has outgrown its current pot or if the soil has become compacted and depleted of nutrients. This is often done in the spring before the new growth season.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average humidity levels found outdoors. It does well in the typical range of 40-60% relative humidity but is quite adaptable to varying conditions, as long as it is not consistently exposed to excessively dry or moist air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil in spring.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos 'Antiquity' begins its life as a seed, which, when planted in well-draining soil and given enough light and warmth, will germinate usually within 7-21 days. Upon germination, it grows into a seedling with its first pair of true leaves, distinct from the initial sprout leaves or cotyledons. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative stage, developing a branching structure and numerous feathery leaves. After some time, usually between 7-10 weeks after sowing, the plant starts the flowering stage, producing distinctive, richly colored flowers in shades that can range from a deep burgundy to an antique rose pink. These flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, and if pollination occurs, the plant produces seeds in the form of small, dry fruits. As the growing season comes to an end, Cosmos 'Antiquity' enters dormancy or dies off, completing its annual cycle; however, the seeds may fall to the ground and can give rise to new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Cosmos, specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Antiquity', is primarily propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow Cosmos seeds is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring a warm soil temperature to foster germination. To propagate, scatter the seeds lightly onto a well-draining soil mix and gently press them down for good seed-to-soil contact; however, do not cover them, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge in 7 to 10 days. Once they have grown large enough to handle, thin the seedlings to about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate space for each plant to grow and flourish. This straightforward seeding process is why growing Cosmos from seeds is the most popular and effective method of propagation for these bright and showy annuals.
