Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe'
ABOUT
The 'Candy Stripe' variety of Cosmos presents a charming display with its eye-catching flower blossoms. These flowers are notable for their distinctive striped pattern - white petals embellished with streaks of rosy pink along the edges, giving them a whimsical and festive appearance. Each bloom is made up of a ring of these broad, flat, and beautifully striped petals that surround a bright yellow central disc, which adds a bold contrast to the delicate colors of the petals. The plant itself bears fine, feathery foliage that adds to its airy and elegant appearance. The leaves, green in color, are thin and delicately split, resembling a fine lace, which gives the plant a light and fluffy look. This creates a perfect backdrop for the colorful blossoms that sway above on slender stalks, dancing gracefully with every breeze. Overall, the 'Candy Stripe' Cosmos is a dazzling addition to any garden, offering a touch of whimsy and color through its playful patterned petals and dainty foliage. Its cheerful blossoms are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it not only a visual delight but also beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cut-leaf Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus
ToxicityTo humans
The Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe') is widely considered to be a non-toxic plant to humans. Ingestion of any part of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. Therefore, it is generally safe to grow around children and adults, and there are no well-known symptoms of poisoning associated with it.
To pets
The Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe') is also not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is considered safe and should not cause harm if pets happen to ingest parts of it. There are no specific symptoms attributed to the toxicity of this plant in pets because it is not considered poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-4 feet (61-122 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of cosmos is well-known for its ease of cultivation, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant produces flowers continuously from summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, the cosmos is fairly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking striped petals, this plant adds visual interest and can be used for ornamental purposes in garden beds, borders, and as cut flowers.
- Enhances Garden Biodiversity: By attracting various pollinators, it contributes to the ecological health of the garden by promoting biodiversity.
- Self-Seeding: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe' often self-seeds, enabling gardeners to enjoy new plants in subsequent years without additional planting.
- Versatile: The plant can thrive in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
- Fast Growing: It grows relatively quickly from seed to flower, allowing for a rapid and satisfying gardening experience.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft: The petals of Cosmos can be pressed and used in craft projects such as making homemade greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Natural Dyes: Cosmos flowers can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering hues of pink or orange depending on the mordant.
- Companion Planting: Cosmos are known to attract beneficial insects to the garden, which can help with the pollination of vegetables and deter pests.
- Photography Subject: With their striking patterns, these flowers can be a captivating subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Edible Decor: Although not a common culinary ingredient, the petals of Cosmos can be used as a decorative edible garnish on salads and desserts.
- Garden Design: Cosmos can be used as a 'filler' plant in garden beds to create a lush and full appearance due to their feathery foliage and vibrant blooms.
- Floral Arrangements: Long stems and vibrant flowers make Cosmos an excellent choice for fresh bouquets and flower arrangements.
- Education: Cosmos can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, lifecycles, and the importance of pollinators.
- Floatation Device Decor: The flowers can be floated in water bowls as part of a decorative centerpiece for events and gatherings.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Cosmos flowers can be placed in cloth sachets to impart a mild, pleasant fragrance to drawers and closets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: The word "cosmos" is derived from the Greek, which means a balanced universe. The plant is associated with inner order and a harmonious alignment with the world.
- Modesty: Cosmos flowers are simple and not overly showy, symbolizing modesty in the language of flowers.
- Balance: The symmetrical petals of the Cosmos represent balance in one's life.
- Beauty: The soft and vibrant appearance of the Cosmos flower symbolizes appreciating beauty in all forms.
- Peace: With its gentle appearance, the flower is often associated with tranquility and peace.
- Love: The flower's attractiveness has also made it a symbol of love and affection.
- Wholeness: The evenly placed petals have lent this flower to be a symbol of wholeness and unity.
WaterGarden Cosmos, commonly known as Cosmos 'Candy Stripe', should be watered regularly but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to ensure you're not overwatering. Generally, this means watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on climate conditions. In hot and dry climates, watering may need to be more frequent. Adjust the quantity of water during rainy periods or cooler temperatures, as the plants will require less. Overhead watering early in the day is effective to allow foliage to dry out, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives best in full sun conditions, which means they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Place your Cosmos 'Candy Stripe' in a location where they receive unobstructed sunlight, such as an open garden bed or a south-facing site if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but bloom best in full sun.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos can perform well in a wide range of temperatures, surviving minimum temperatures around 25°F but ideally enjoying conditions between 60°F to 90°F. They are heat-tolerant and can endure summer's high heat, although they should be protected from frost. In areas with particularly hot summers, afternoon shade can prevent any heat stress on the plants.
PruningDeadheading, or pruning off spent flowers, encourages Cosmos 'Candy Stripe' to produce more blooms. Light pruning can be done throughout the flowering season to keep plants tidy and prolong blooming. Prune or pinch the tips of young plants to encourage branching and more flowers. The best time for significant pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Cosmos, commonly known as Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe', thrives best in well-draining soil with a generous mix of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to aid in water retention and nutrient supply. A good soil mix recipe would be two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand for improved drainage. The preferred soil pH range for Cosmos is neutral to slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingGarden Cosmos typically do not require frequent repotting as they are annuals. However, if started indoors, they should be repotted into larger containers or transplanted outdoors once they have developed a strong root system and have outgrown their initial pot.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos are not particularly sensitive to humidity levels and can adapt to a wide range. They do well in average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cosmos in bright light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Cosmos in full sun, well-draining soil, spaced apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe', commonly known as the Mexican Aster, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown into warm soil, ideally in early spring after the last frost has passed. The seeds germinate, typically within 7-14 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture. Seedlings emerge and develop true leaves, gradually forming a lush green foliage. As plants mature, they produce distinctive pink or white flowers with a striking red stripe down each petal, typically beginning in early summer and continuing until the first frost. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination, resulting in the formation of seed heads after the blossoms fade. The plant completes its life cycle as it drops seeds back into the soil, which can germinate the following season to start a new generation, or the plant can be collected and stored to sow at the desired time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Cosmos or Mexican Aster is through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe' seeds is in late winter to early spring after the danger of frost has passed, or they can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. To propagate, prepare a well-drained soil mix and scatter the seeds on the surface, gently pressing them into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil evenly moist and maintain a temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings usually emerge in 7-10 days. Once they have grown sturdy enough and have a couple of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they are spaced approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth.
