Garden Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White' (Apollo Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White', commonly known as the Cosmos or Garden Cosmos, is a captivating plant known for its simplicity and charm. This particular variety boasts pristine white flowers with a bright yellow center. The blossoms are large and showy, resembling single daisy-like blooms perched atop slender stems. These flowers create a striking contrast against the plant's delicate, feathery green foliage that consists of finely divided leaves arranged in a bipinnate fashion, which means the leaflets are arranged on either side of a common axis. The overall appearance of the Cosmos 'Apollo White' is one of airy elegance, as the blossoms seem to dance and flutter in the breeze like ethereal butterflies. It is a favorite in gardens for its long flowering period and its innate ability to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies that are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers. While the dimensions of the plant are excluded from this description, the effective use of Apollo White in a garden setting can be remarkable, adding a sense of lightness and grace to the landscape. This Cosmos variety presents a clean, fresh look, making it versatile for use in various garden designs. Whether planted in clusters to create a swath of white or intermingled with other flowers to provide spots of brightness, the Apollo White Cosmos is a beautiful choice for gardeners seeking to introduce a touch of elegance and charm to their outdoor spaces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae.
- Synonyms
  Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos.
- Common names
  Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Cosmos, including the variety Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White', is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, it does not cause poisoning if ingested. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants. Some people might have a sensitivity or allergic reaction if ingesting plants that are not meant for consumption, but overall, Cosmos is not known for being hazardous to people.
- To pets
  Cosmos, specifically the variety Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White', is also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally safe and does not cause poisoning in animals like cats and dogs if ingested. As with humans, pets might experience mild stomach upset if they eat large quantities of plants not intended for consumption, but Cosmos is not known to be a cause of serious illness or toxicity.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  2 feet (61 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  2-11
- Native area
  Mexico

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Easy to grow: This variety of cosmos is well-known for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for gardens in arid climates or for gardeners seeking low-water plants.
- Long blooming period: The plant produces flowers continuously from early summer until the first frost, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Cutting garden addition: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can add beauty to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: With its bright white flowers and feathery foliage, it provides a light, airy aesthetic to any garden or landscape.
- Fast-growing: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White' grows quickly after planting, offering a rapid reward for gardeners looking for quick results.
- Self-seeding: The plant can self-seed under the right conditions, potentially providing new plants in subsequent years without additional planting.
- Wildlife friendly: Besides pollinating insects, it also provides a habitat for other wildlife, such as birds that may feed on its seeds.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Decorative pressed flower art: The Cosmos can be pressed and used to create artwork or to decorate cards and stationary due to its appealing white petals.
- Natural fabric dye: The petals of the white Cosmos can be used to create a subtle, natural dye for fabrics, enhancing them with a faint, natural color.
- Culinary garnish: Although not a common use, the petals of the Cosmos can be used as a decorative garnish for salads and desserts due to their edible nature.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of the Cosmos flower makes it a popular subject for photographers, especially for those specializing in botanical and garden photography.
- Art classes: Live Cosmos flowers can be used as models for drawing or painting in art classes to teach students about capturing the form and texture of plant life.
- Scented bouquets: While not known for a strong fragrance, Cosmos can still contribute to lightly scented bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Seed crafts: The seeds of Cosmos can be used in craft projects, such as making seed mosaic art or including them in homemade paper for texture.
- Companion planting: Gardeners sometimes plant Cosmos to attract beneficial insects or as companion plants to improve the growth and health of vegetables and other flowers.
- Children's gardens: Their easy-to-grow nature makes Cosmos an ideal choice for children's gardens or educational projects related to plant growth and lifecycle.
- Ephemeral art installations: Fresh or dried Cosmos flowers can be used in nature-inspired ephemeral art pieces that highlight the beauty of organic materials.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love: Cosmos flowers, including 'Apollo White', often represent love due to their beautifully delicate and ornate petals which evoke the tender feelings associated with love.
- Beauty: The aesthetic appeal of the 'Apollo White' Cosmos, with its pure white petals, symbolizes beauty and purity in both physical and spiritual senses.
- Harmony: The symmetrical form of the flower and the way its petals are arranged can represent balance and harmonious relationships.
- Modesty: Despite its striking appearance, the Cosmos plant has a certain simplicity, thus symbolizing modesty and unassuming elegance.
- Wholeness: The complete circular shape of the flower head of 'Apollo White' Cosmos may symbolize the concept of wholeness and unity.
- Peace: White flowers, like the 'Apollo White', traditionally signify peace and tranquility, reflecting a calm and serene environment.

💧

Every week

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Cosmos, also known as garden cosmos, should be watered regularly but be careful not to overwater. They prefer the soil to be moist but not soggy. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water the cosmos every other day, using about 1 gallon per plant each time you water. When the weather is cooler or cloudier, reduce the watering frequency to once a week, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of too dry rather than too wet.
Light
Cosmos thrives in full sun, meaning it needs to be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Choose a spot in the garden that receives ample sunshine throughout the day to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. In extremely hot climates, a little afternoon shade can help protect the plant from scorching, but generally, cosmos love bright, sunny positions.
Temperature
Garden cosmos is a warm-weather flower that prefers temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. It can tolerate a slight dip below this range but should not be exposed to frost conditions. The minimum temperature for cosmos to survive is usually around 25°F; anything lower can be detrimental to the plant. Ideal growth occurs within the preferred temperature range, but the plant is generally resilient and can handle small variances in temperature.
Pruning
Pruning garden cosmos is mainly for shaping and encouraging bushier growth, as well as removing faded flowers to prolong the blooming period. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants are about 12-18 inches tall to stimulate branching. The best time to prune is during the growing season, as needed to maintain a pleasing shape and maximize flowering.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Cosmos, or Garden Cosmos, thrives in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.5. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand ensures good drainage. Amend soil with compost to boost fertility.
Repotting
Cosmos does not typically require repotting as they are annuals. However, if started indoors, transplant Cosmos seedlings outdoors after the last frost.
Humidity & Misting
Cosmos are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, warm temps, and good air circulation for indoor Cosmos.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun after frost; provide light, well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  2-11 USDA
Life cycle
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White', commonly known as Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, begins its life stage with seed germination, which typically occurs in warm, moist soil after the last frost of spring. The seedlings then grow into vegetative plants, developing a strong root system, leaves, and stems, with ideal conditions including full sun and well-draining soil. As the plant matures, it begins to form flower buds, which blossom into the plant's characteristic large, white flowers with yellow centers during the summer months. Flowering continues for an extended period, often until the first frost, as Garden Cosmos is known for its long blooming season. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or wildlife, ensuring the propagation of the next generation. Finally, as an annual, Cosmos bipinnatus completes its life cycle within one growing season, dying off after seed production, with new plants emerging from its seeds the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to early summer
- Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apollo White', commonly known as the Cosmos flower, is primarily propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Cosmos seeds is in late winter to early spring, after the last frost for outdoor planting or earlier if sown indoors. To propagate, prepare a well-draining soil mix in a shallow tray or individual pots and sprinkle the seeds sparingly on the surface, lightly covering them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Maintain a consistent moisture level and keep the soil temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) to encourage germination, which typically occurs within 7-10 days. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to give them adequate space to grow. Cosmos plants prefer full sun exposure and well-draining soil, which will help them to thrive once they are moved outdoors.