Mexican Aster Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red' (Casanova Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red', commonly known as the garden cosmos or Mexican aster in the Casanova Series, boasts vibrant and eye-catching blooms that are a striking red in color. The flowers are characterized by their daisy-like shape, featuring a central disc surrounded by a ring of radiating petals. These petals are soft yet substantial and bear a velvety texture with a deep red hue that commands attention in any setting. This variety stands out with its intense coloration which can add a bold contrast to the greenery in a garden. The central disc is often a contrasting yellow or gold, adding to the visual appeal of the flower. The foliage of this garden cosmos is delicate and feathery, comprising slender, divided leaves that form an airy backdrop for the showy flowers. The overall appearance of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red' is one of elegance and charm, fitting for cottage gardens, borders, or as a stunning feature in floral arrangements. Its dramatic red blossoms are a favorite of gardeners seeking to create vibrant color schemes and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red'
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, which includes Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that accidental ingestion of parts of the Cosmos plant causes poisoning in humans. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms related to Cosmos poisoning, as it is typically regarded as safe. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants not meant for consumption to prevent any potential gastrointestinal discomfort purely from the standpoint of individual sensitivities or allergies.
To pets
Cosmos, referring to Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red' in this context, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to lead to poisoning and there are no well-documented symptoms of toxicity arising from pets consuming Cosmos. As with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, but this is not common. It is always prudent to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants as a general safety precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red' is known for drawing in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Easy to Grow: This cosmos variety is considered easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care and thriving in a wide range of soil conditions.
- Long Blooming Period: 'Casanova Red' offers a long flowering season, providing vibrant color from early summer until the first frost.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: With its bright red flowers, it adds bold color and visual interest to garden beds, borders, and landscapes.
- Good for Cut Flowers: The long stems and striking flowers make 'Casanova Red' ideal for creating beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Reseeds Itself: Often, this cosmos will self-sow, leading to new plants the following year without additional planting.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of Cosmos bipinnatus are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts for a touch of color and interest.
- Companion Planting: 'Casanova Red' can be part of a companion planting strategy, getting along with many vegetables and herbs, possibly helping to deter pests.
- Fast Growth: This plant tends to grow quickly once germinated, providing a rapid display of foliage and flowers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos as a natural dye: The vibrant petals of the Cosmos can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering hues ranging from pink to maroon depending on the mordant used.
- Photography subject: With its vivid red petals, Cosmos is often used by photographers as a striking subject in garden and nature photography.
- Educational tool: Cosmos can be used in schools to teach students about the life cycle of plants, pollination, and the importance of insects in the garden.
- Artistic inspiration: The rich color and delicate form of Cosmos flowers are an inspiration for artists and can be depicted in paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Companion planting: Cosmos can be used in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects such as predatory wasps and hoverflies that control pest populations.
- Culinary garnish: Edible Cosmos petals can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts, though they are not known for their flavor.
- Floral crafts: Dried Cosmos flowers can be used in potpourri, or pressed and featured in handmade paper, greeting cards, and bookmarks.
- Event decoration: Its showy flowers make Cosmos a popular choice for decorative arrangements at weddings and other celebrations.
- Space education: Given its name, Cosmos can be used as a thematic plant for educational activities related to astronomy and space exploration.
- Bird attraction: Cosmos seeds, once the flowering has ended, can attract birds to the garden, providing birdwatching opportunities.
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 name 'Casanova' itself evokes the image of the legendary lover Giacomo Casanova, suggesting romance and passion, which is well represented by the deep red color of this Cosmos variety.
- Beauty: Cosmos flowers are often associated with beauty due to their delicate and ornate petals, which carry a certain elegance and visually stunning presence in a garden.
- Harmony: The name 'Cosmos' is derived from the Greek word for order, harmony, or the world, reflecting the plant's symmetrical and balanced flower form.
- Modesty: Despite its showy appearance, the Cosmos has a simplicity to its structure which allows it to blend into a garden setting without overpowering it, symbolizing modesty amid beauty.
- Peace: It's believed that the Cosmos flower has a calming and serene effect; thus, it's often used to symbolize peace and tranquility in a garden or when given as a gift.
- Wholeness: With its perfectly rounded central disc and radiating petals, Cosmos flowers are associated with wholeness and completeness, echoing the harmony in the natural world.
WaterThe Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster should be watered deeply once a week, allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It's best to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on weather conditions and soil type. In particularly hot or dry weather, you might need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Overhead watering is acceptable, but to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, it's ideal to water at the base of the plant, directing water to the roots rather than the foliage. Consistent watering is important, particularly during prolonged periods of drought or heat.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these flowers is in an area where they will receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. They can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can lead to spindly plants with fewer blooms. Make sure to place them in a location that doesn't get shadowed by larger plants or structures, as sunlight is crucial for their growth and flowering.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos prefers a temperature range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. It's ideal to grow Cosmos in conditions that consistently stay within the preferred range, as extreme fluctuations can affect its growth and blooming. The plant typically thrives in the warm conditions of spring and summer, and it may start to decline as temperatures drop in fall.
PruningPruning, or deadheading, Garden Cosmos encourages new blooms and extends the flowering season. Remove spent flowers by pinching or cutting the stem back to the first set of leaves. This practice should be done regularly, as soon as flowers begin to fade. The best time to prune is in the late evening or early morning when temperatures are cooler.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cosmos, also known as Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, is a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand can provide the adequate drainage and nutrient-holding capacity suited for Cosmos.
RepottingCosmos plants generally do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. Repotting every 1-2 years, or as needed if the plant becomes root-bound, is sufficient for maintaining its health.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos thrive in average to low humidity conditions, making them suitable for most outdoor environments. They do not have specific humidity requirements, thus they can tolerate a range of conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Garden Cosmos.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as Mexican Aster, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in fertile, well-draining soil, preferably in a sunny location after the danger of frost has passed. Germination occurs within 7-10 days in warm soil, where seedlings emerge with paired leaves before developing their true, feathery bipinnate foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and more complex leaf structures, entering the vegetative growth stage while focusing energy on reaching a good height and spread. The Mexican Aster then enters the flowering stage, showcasing a profusion of bright red flowers that are characteristic of the 'Casanova Red' variety, usually from midsummer to fall. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which subsequently aid in the process of pollination. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which, if not deadheaded, fall to the ground, completing the cycle as these seeds may germinate and grow into new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Cosmos, specifically Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Red', is commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow Cosmos seeds is in the late winter to early spring, indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate, fill a tray or pot with a well-draining seed starting mix and moisten the soil. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the soil surface and cover them with a very thin layer of soil or vermiculite, as Cosmos seeds need light to germinate effectively. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in a warm spot with plenty of light. Seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days when kept at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 24 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots or spaced out in the garden.
