Garden Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette' (Cosimo Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette', commonly known as Mexican Aster or Garden Cosmos, is an ornamental plant that is recognized for its unique and attractive flowers. It is a cultivar that belongs to the Cosimo Series, which are varieties bred for their distinct flowering characteristics. The flowers of this particular cosmos have a striking appearance with a dual-tone effect. The petals are broad with a daisy-like shape that radiates outward from the center of the flower. Each petal exhibits a vibrant main color, which can range from shades of pink to deep burgundy, with a contrasting edge or border around the petals. This border is usually in lighter hues such as white or soft yellow, creating a striking two-tone effect. Adding to their charm, in the middle of the flower, there is a pronounced central disk, which is generally a darker shade, often yellow or a deep brownish hue. This disk is surrounded by the 'collarette' - a ring of shorter, fluffier petals that give the flower its name. These smaller petals are usually the same color as the border, accentuating the color contrast and creating a frilly, collar-like appearance at the flower's core. The foliage of the Cosimo Collarette cosmos is delicate and feathery, with leaves that are finely divided into slender segments, lending a soft, airy texture to the plant. The overall impression of the plant is one of lighthearted and whimsical beauty, capable of adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting with its festive, bicolored blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, including the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is not known to have any poisonous parts and ingestion of this flower typically doesn't lead to serious health problems. However, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur. If any part of the plant is ingested and an adverse reaction is observed, it is advised to seek medical attention.
To pets
Cosmos, including the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette', is also generally regarded as a non-toxic plant to pets like cats and dogs. Its ingestion should not cause any significant toxic effects. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet ingests parts of the plant and exhibits any unusual symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos biipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette' is excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, enhancing pollination.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for its ease of cultivation, even in poor soil conditions, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Extended Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period from early summer to fall, providing vibrant color for an extended time.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
- Self-Seeding: It is a self-seeding plant which means it can naturally reproduce and provide new plants for the following year.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used to create attractive floral arrangements.
- Landscape Design: Due to its height and colorful blooms, it can serve as an excellent backdrop in garden beds and borders.
- Companion Planting: It can be used in companion planting strategies to help deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: Planting Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette' contributes to the biodiversity of a garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Educational tool - Cosmos can be used to teach students about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of flowering plants.
- Photography subject - With their vibrant colors and interesting petal shapes, Cosmos flowers are a popular subject for photographers.
- Natural dye - The petals of Cosmos can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Art and craft - Pressed Cosmos flowers can be incorporated into artistic designs, such as in scrapbooking or card making.
- Culinary garnish - Although not commonly served as food, Cosmos petals can make an attractive edible decoration for desserts and salads, as long as they are pesticide-free.
- Companion planting - Cosmos attracts beneficial insects like lacewings, which can help control aphid populations in gardens.
- Religious and cultural ceremonies - In some cultures, Cosmos flowers might be used as offerings or decorations during certain festivities and religious events.
- Dried flower arrangements - Cosmos can be dried and used in decorative arrangements that last long after the growing season.
- Potpourri ingredient - The petals can add color and a light, pleasant scent to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Study of hybridization - Being a member of the Cosimo Series, these plants can be used in botanic studies related to plant breeding and genetic variation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: The name "Cosmos" comes from the Greek word for order or harmony, reflecting the plant's well-balanced and orderly petal arrangement.
- Beauty: Often admired for its striking flowers, Cosmos symbolizes the appreciation for aesthetic beauty.
- Modesty: Despite its showy appearance, Cosmos can represent simplicity and modesty in one's character.
- Peace: With its soft and inviting blooms, Cosmos is often associated with tranquility and peacefulness.
- Wholeness: The radial symmetry of the Cosmos flower symbolizes a sense of wholeness and completeness.
WaterThe Cosmos, commonly known as Mexican Aster, should be watered regularly but moderately, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering might be necessary once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Typically, you should provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons for an outdoor garden. Adjust the amount of water during periods of rain or drought, always checking the soil moisture before adding more water. Overhead watering is suitable, but to prevent foliar diseases, it's best to water at the base of the plant early in the day to allow any splashed leaves to dry out.
LightMexican Aster thrives in areas that receive full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. This plant prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil and can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. The brightest spot in the garden is ideal for the best flowering results.
TemperatureMexican Aster performs well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers conditions between 70°F and 90°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but is sensitive to frost. Ensure it's planted after the last frost of spring, as cold temperatures below 50°F can damage the plant.
PruningPruning Mexican Aster involves deadheading spent blooms to encourage further flowering and maintain plant vigor. This should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. At the end of the season, or in early spring, cut back old growth to help rejuvenate the plant for the upcoming season. The best times for more extensive pruning are in spring before new growth begins or immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Cosmos (Cosmo Series), the best soil mix is well-draining with some organic matter, such as a mix of loam, peat, and sand. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCosmos (Cosmo Series) are typically grown as annuals and do not require repotting. If started in containers, they can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
Humidity & MistingCosmos (Cosmo Series) are not particularly humidity sensitive and can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels, without the need for specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and ensure good air circulation for indoor Cosmos.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny area with well-draining soil after last frost.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA.
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette' begins life as a seed that requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to germinate, usually in the warmth of late spring after the last frost. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves, a critical period for establishing strong roots and early foliage. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a bushy structure with finely cut, fern-like leaves, and it grows rapidly in preparation for flowering. The flowering stage occurs in mid-summer to early fall, where the 'Cosimo Collarette' variety produces distinctive bicolour flowers with a collar of shorter petals around the center, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can be gathered for propagation or allowed to self-seed for the next growing season. Finally, as a tender annual, it completes its life cycle in one season, dying off with the first hard frost, at which point the dead plants can be removed and composted.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Collarette', commonly known as Cosmos, is by seed. The ideal time to sow Cosmos seeds is in the spring, after the last frost, when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15-16 degrees Celsius). Sow the seeds directly into well-draining soil, placing them at a shallow depth of about 1/4 inch (6 mm) and spacing them roughly 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow for ample growth. Ensure they receive adequate sunlight and keep the soil moderately moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. As the seedlings develop, thin them out to prevent overcrowding, which helps in achieving robust growth.
