Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Capriola'

Names

• Synonyms

  Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos.

• Common names

  Cosmos bipinnatus 'Capriola'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Cosmos, including the variety Cosmos bipinnatus 'Capriola', is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or adverse reactions from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can cause reactions in some people. It is always wise to avoid eating plants or plant parts unless they are known to be safe and intended for human consumption.

• To pets

  Cosmos, including Cosmos bipinnatus 'Capriola', is not considered to be toxic to pets. This plant is not listed on common toxic plant databases for animals such as cats and dogs. It's always a good practice to prevent pets from eating plants as individual reactions can vary, but generally, Cosmos should not cause harm if ingested by pets. If a pet does consume large quantities of this plant and shows signs of illness, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-91 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-61 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  2-11

• Native area

  Mexico

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos 'Capriola' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that are vital for the ecosystem and help in the pollination of nearby plants.
• Easy to Grow: It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and does not require much fertilizer or water once established.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its showy flowers and elegant ferny foliage, it adds beauty and color to gardens, borders, and can also be used in cut flower arrangements.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Cosmos 'Capriola' can tolerate dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
• Fast Growing: It grows quickly from seed and can reach flowering stage within a couple of months, providing a quick display of color in the garden.
• Self-Seeds: Cosmos 'Capriola' often self-seeds, which means it can come back year after year without replanting, offering long-term value for the gardener.
• Offers Seasonal Interest: It blooms from midsummer until the first frost, providing prolonged interest and color in the garden through multiple seasons.
• Beneficial for Wildlife: Apart from pollinators, it also provides food and habitat for beneficial insects, thus helping to maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Versatile Plant: Suitable for containers, beds, and as a part of a mixed border, thus it can adapt to various garden designs and spaces.
• Enhances Biodiversity: By attracting a range of pollinators and insects, Cosmos 'Capriola' helps to support and increase biodiversity within the garden environment.

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

• Cosmos flowers can be used in natural dye production, where the petals provide a range of colors, from orange to pink, depending on the mordant used.
• The garden cosmos is popular in photography and painting, offering inspiration due to its vibrant colors and delicate structure.
• The light-weight seeds of the cosmos plant can be utilized in crafts and jewelry, especially in making eco-friendly ornaments.
• Since cosmos attract beneficial insects, they can be strategically planted in vegetable gardens to promote biological pest control.
• These flowers are often used in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of flowering plants to students.
• Cosmos can be used as a companion plant to crops such as corn, where its ability to attract pollinators can increase the crop yield.
• In floral design and flower arranging workshops, cosmos's lengthy stems and striking blooms make them a popular choice for building skills.
• Garden cosmos works well in temporary screens or living fences due to its rapid growth and bushy habit, providing privacy and aesthetic appeal in summer gardens.
• Cosmos seeds are used as an ingredient in some bird feed mixtures to attract a variety of birds to gardens for bird-watching enthusiasts.
• Cosmos' stature and bright colors can be employed in landscape design to create visual pathways and focal points within gardens and parks.

Feng Shui

The Cosmos flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Cosmos flower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love: Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as the Garden Cosmos, often symbolizes love because of its beautiful and delicate flowers that are reminiscent of deep affection.
• Harmony: The plant exudes a sense of balance and order through its evenly spaced petals and radial symmetry, which is why it is associated with harmony.
• Beauty: With its elegant appearance, the Garden Cosmos represents an admiration for beauty. This stems from its attractive blooms that come in various shades, often with a striking contrast to its feathery foliage.
• Innocence: The light and airy nature of the Cosmos flowers convey a feeling of innocence and purity, often reminiscent of childlike wonder and simplicity.
• Modesty: Despite its showy flowers, the Garden Cosmos grows easily and without much fuss, which lends it the symbolism of modesty, as it doesn't require a lot of attention to flourish.
• Peace: The plant's ability to attract butterflies and create a serene environment makes it a symbol of peace and tranquility.