Mexican aster Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Pink-white' (Cosimo Series)
ABOUT
The Cosmos 'Cosimo Pink-white' sports an attractive, jaunty appearance characterized by its unique bicolored petals, which are a striking combination of soft pink and white. This dainty-looking display of color is beautifully presented on daisy-like flower heads that gracefully sit atop slender stems, with each bloom featuring a ring of broad, rounded petals that are often toothed at their tips, encircling a distinctive center. The plant's foliage is delicate and feathery, consisting of finely divided leaves that are green in color and add to the overall airy and lacy aesthetic of the plant. The juxtaposition of pastel shades set against the light green foliage creates an overall impression of gentle contrast and an inviting, soft appearance, making the 'Cosimo Pink-white' a popular choice among gardeners and floral enthusiasts seeking to add a touch of whimsy to their gardens or floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Pink-white'
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos are generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant concerns relating to poisoning from Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as Cosmos. Ingesting any part of the plant should not typically cause harm beyond the possibility of mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which can occur with the ingestion of any non-food plant material. It is always advisable to avoid consuming plants that are not intended for culinary use.
To pets
Cosmos, including the 'Cosimo Pink-white' variety, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Consuming parts of the plant may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-edible plant material, but there are no significant toxic effects associated with Cosmos bipinnatus ingestion in pets.
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
Varies
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Cosmos bipinnatus is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to grow: The plant is low maintenance and considered easy to cultivate, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Long blooming period: It provides a long season of color, with flowers blooming from early summer until the first frost.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Cosmos bipinnatus is quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Improves garden aesthetics: With its delicate pink and white blooms, it adds visual interest and beauty to any garden setting.
- Good cut flowers: The flowers have a long vase life, making them excellent choices for cut flower arrangements.
- Companion planting: Its presence can benefit vegetable gardens by attracting pollinators required for crop production.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Cosmos can be used to produce a light pink dye for fabrics or paper.
- As an art medium: Crushed petals can be mixed into watercolors or used in paper-making for added texture and color.
- In photography: Garden cosmos serves as an excellent subject for macro photography due to its intricate details and color gradient.
- As a companion plant: It can help deter pests in vegetable gardens when used as a part of companion planting strategies.
- In crafting: Dried cosmos flowers can be incorporated into potpourri or used in crafting for creating bookmarks and greeting cards.
- As a teaching tool: Cosmos plants can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- As a decorative element in ponds: Though not aquatic, cut cosmos flowers can float on water, adding beauty to garden ponds during events.
- In culinary presentations: Petals can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- As part of a sensory garden: The soft texture and vibrant colors of cosmos are ideal for gardens designed to stimulate the senses.
- For event decor: Fresh or dried cosmos flowers can be used in table arrangements or venue decoration for weddings and other special occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos flower is associated with harmony and balance due to its symmetrical form, and can be used in Feng Shui to introduce vibrant energy and a touch of natural beauty into a space. Its gentle pink and white colors embody love and purity, which can enhance the relationship area of a garden or home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: The Cosmos flower is closely associated with order and harmony, reflecting the balance inherent in its name derived from the Greek word for a harmonious, ordered universe.
- Peace and Tranquility: The delicate appearance of the Cosmos flower, specifically the 'Cosimo Pink-white' variety, evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, making it a symbol of serenity.
- Love and Affection: Often, flowers represent love, and the Cosmos with its gentle hues of pink and white suggests innocent love or deep affection between partners.
- Beauty in Simplicity: Cosmos flowers embody the idea that there is beauty in simplicity, through their simple petals and overall graceful appearance.
- Modesty: Due to its unassuming presence and simple shape, the Cosmos can symbolize modesty, indicating humility and unpretentiousness.
- Joy: The bright and cheerful blossoms of the 'Cosimo Pink-white' can stand for joy and lighthearted happiness.
WaterGarden cosmos should be watered regularly, aiming for at least one inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. During hot, dry periods, water them deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil to a depth of at least six inches to encourage deep root growth. If the plant is in a container, water it until you see water run through the drainage holes, indicating the soil is fully saturated. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease. It's best to water garden cosmos in the morning to allow any moisture on the leaves to evaporate during the day.
LightGarden cosmos thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Place the plant in a location where it will receive unfiltered sunlight for most of the day for optimal growth and flowering. These plants can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can cause them to become leggy as they reach for the light.
TemperatureGarden cosmos prefers warm temperatures and should not be exposed to temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, as frost can be damaging to the plant. The ideal temperature range for growing garden cosmos is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They are heat-tolerant and will perform well in the warm summer months.
PruningPruning garden cosmos is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the tips of young plants to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and prevent self-seeding if not desired. At the end of the blooming season, you can cut back the cosmos to ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, thrives best in a moderately fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil mix containing equal parts of garden soil, peat or compost, and perlite or sand would serve as an ideal medium for its growth. Ensure that the soil retains slight moisture but drains excess water to prevent root rot.
RepottingGarden Cosmos typically does not require frequent repotting due to its annual life cycle. However, if grown as a perennial in suitable climates, consider repotting it every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Use a slightly larger pot each time to accommodate the root system.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos prefers moderate humidity levels ranging from 40-60%. It is adaptable to the average atmospheric humidity found in most outdoor environments and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in a typical garden setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Pink-white', commonly known as Garden Cosmos, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the soil, typically during the spring after the last frost. The seeds germinate and young seedlings emerge, developing true leaves. As the seedlings grow, they develop a stronger stem and a root system, eventually forming a bushy plant with feathery foliage. Flower buds appear as the plant matures, and subsequently, the distinctive pink and white blooms open, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers fade and seed heads form, containing seeds for the next generation. The plant completes its life cycle in one growing season, dying back after frost as it is an annual, but leaving behind seeds which can germinate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosimo Pink-white' is through seed. Sowing can be done directly in the garden after the last frost when soil temperatures reach about 60-70°F (15-21°C). The seeds need light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil or covered very lightly with soil. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, they can be thinned to stand about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart. This spacing allows the plants to mature and fill in the area, creating a full, lush display. Seed sowing directly in the garden not only simplifies propagation but also reduces transplant shock, allowing for a more successful establishment of the delicate flowers.
