Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink' (Apollo Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink', commonly known as Cosmos, is a flowering annual that boasts eye-catching flowers. The 'Apollo Pink' variety is characterized by its vibrant pink petals that radiate around a central golden-yellow disc. These daisy-like blooms are noted for their delicate and airy appearance, which adds a touch of grace to any garden setting. The petals are typically broad and slightly overlapping, creating a rounded overall outline for each flower. Beneath the blossoms, the plant exhibits finely divided leaves that are feathery in texture, lending the plant an open and lacy appearance. The leaves are commonly a bright green color, forming an attractive contrast with the pink flowers. As a member of the Apollo Series, 'Apollo Pink' Cosmos is known for its floriferous nature, often producing a profusion of blooms that can delight the senses throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink' (Apollo Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, the common name for Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink', is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, no symptoms of poisoning are expected if parts of this plant are ingested, as it is not known to contain any substances that are harmful to human health. Therefore, accidental ingestion should not cause any serious consequences.
To pets
Cosmos, the common name for Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink', is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, and ingestion should not result in poisoning symptoms. Therefore, if a pet ingests part of this plant, it is not expected to cause significant health issues. However, as with any non-food plant material, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or irritation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant pink blooms to gardens, providing color and visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Continuous Blooming: Flowers from early summer to fall, offering a long season of blooms.
- Cut Flower Usage: Blossoms are ideal for cutting and arranging in bouquets due to their long stems and attractive flowers.
- Rapid Growth: Generally grows quickly, allowing gardeners to enjoy the flowers within a short period after planting.
- Self-Seeding: Capable of reseeding itself, which can provide new plants in successive years with minimal effort.
- Deer Resistance: Less attractive to deer, which can help prevent damage to the plant and garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos flowers like Cosmos bipinnatus can be used as a natural dye. The flowers, when boiled, can release pigments that are suitable for coloring fabrics or crafts.
- Their long stems and vibrant colors make them excellent for use in flower photography, often serving as the subject in macro photography workshops and classes.
- They can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and parasitic wasps to the garden, which help in pest control.
- These flowers are sometimes employed in educational settings, such as schools, to teach children about plant biology and growth cycles due to their easy-growing nature.
- Cosmos plants can be used in sensory gardens for their distinct texture and subtle fragrance which add to the sensory experience.
- The petals of Cosmos can be used in crafts, such as pressed flower projects or for creating natural confetti for events like weddings.
- Some cultures use the petals of Cosmos flowers in ceremonial garlands or offerings due to their beauty and availability.
- The seeds of Cosmos are relatively large and easy to handle, making them suitable for seed art or for introducing young gardeners to the practice of sowing.
- Cosmos can be incorporated into landscaping for noise reduction, as their dense growth can help dampen ambient noise in a small measure.
- The dried stems and foliage of Cosmos can be used to create rustic, natural-looking home decorations or in crafting dried floral arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love - The Cosmos flower is often associated with love and affection, possibly due to its delicate and pretty appearance reminiscent of romantic ideals.
- Beauty - With its striking pink petals, the 'Apollo Pink' variety of Cosmos represents an appreciation for beauty and aesthetics.
- Harmony - The symmetrical form of the Cosmos blooms suggests a sense of balance and harmony in the universe.
- Modesty - Despite its bright appearance, Cosmos grows easily and without much fuss, which can be seen as a sign of modesty and simplicity.
- Order - The orderly arrangement of Cosmos' petals and its bipinnate leaves speak to a sense of organization and planning.
- Peace - The soft and soothing color of 'Apollo Pink' Cosmos can evoke a feeling of calm and peace.
- Innocence - The Cosmos flower is sometimes connected to innocence, perhaps because of its unassuming presence and purity of color.
- Wholeness - Representing the universe in its entirety, Cosmos is symbolic of wholeness and inclusiveness.
WaterCosmos, also known as Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink', prefers consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which usually amounts to 1 inch of water per week. Use a gentle water stream to avoid disturbing the soil and roots. During periods of high heat or drought, you may need to water the plant more frequently, possibly every few days, to maintain the right level of soil moisture. Aim to water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and allow the water to penetrate the soil effectively.
LightCosmos, commonly known as the garden cosmos, thrive in full sunlight. They perform best when placed in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in areas with heavy shade or filtered light to ensure vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
TemperatureThe garden cosmos thrives in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 25 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods and can survive up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, although extreme temperatures can stress the plant. For optimal growth, maintain a stable environment away from frosty conditions and hot extremes.
PruningPruning garden cosmos is vital for promoting bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. In late spring or early summer, you can pinch back the young shoots to foster a more compact, branched plant. The best time for major pruning is in the spring, just as new growth appears.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cosmos, commonly known as the Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, is a well-draining mix with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingCosmos, typically grown as an annual, doesn't often require repotting. If started in containers, they can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost date.
Humidity & MistingCosmos thrives in average humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity adjustments for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist but not soggy.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos, specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink', begins its life cycle as a seed sown in well-draining soil after the last frost in spring. The seeds germinate within 7 to 10 days in warm soil, emerging as seedlings with a pair of true leaves after the initial cotyledons. As the plant grows, it develops a sturdy stem and a feathery foliage characteristic of the cosmos. Following the vegetative stage, the cosmos enters the flowering stage, typically blooming in summer or early fall, showcasing its vibrant pink petals around a central disc. After pollination by insects, the plant sets seeds within the flower heads that dry on the plant. Eventually, the plant completes its annual life cycle, dying with the first hard frost, but often self-seeding to generate new plants for the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo Pink', commonly known as Cosmos, is most commonly propagated through seeds as it is a fast-growing annual. The best time to sow Cosmos seeds is after the last frost in spring when the soil has warmed up. To propagate Cosmos by seeds, simply scatter the seeds lightly on top of a well-draining soil mix and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, no more than 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) deep. The seeds typically germinate in 7 to 10 days in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit (approx. 21-29 degrees Celsius). Watering should be done gently to keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they are spaced about 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
