Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White'
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White', commonly known as the garden cosmos or Mexican aster, is a plant with a standout appearance due to its delicate and showy flowers. The blooms are pure white with a central eye that typically boasts a vibrant yellow hue, creating a striking contrast that can enliven any garden setting. Each flower is comprised of a ring of broad, radiating petals that surround the central disc, evoking the image of a classic daisy in both form and charm. The foliage of the garden cosmos is equally appealing, featuring finely divided leaves that have a feathery texture. These leaves provide a lush, fern-like backdrop that accentuates the simplistic beauty of the white blooms. The overall impression of the garden cosmos is one of lightness and whimsy, with the white flowers bobbing atop slender stems, dancing gracefully with the slightest breeze. Due to its appealing aesthetic, the plant is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and serenity to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Wild Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, including the variety Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is not known to contain any toxins that would cause harm if ingested. Therefore, if someone were to eat a part of the plant, they would not likely suffer from any severe symptoms of poisoning. However, it's always possible that certain individuals may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to this plant or could experience gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities, as with any plant material that is not commonly used as food.
To pets
Cosmos, such as Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White', is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. This includes both cats and dogs. There are no significant toxins in the plant that are known to cause harm if a pet were to ingest it. While cosmos is considered safe, it's always best for pets to not consume plant material that is not part of their normal diet, as this could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of Cosmos is easy to cultivate and can thrive in many soil types, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for drier climates or water-conservation gardens.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its delicate white flowers, it can greatly contribute to the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fast Growing: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White' grows relatively quickly, offering gardeners a shorter wait time to enjoy their blooms.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a lengthy flowering period which can last from early summer until the first frost, providing consistent beauty in the garden.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers are excellent for cutting and arranging in bouquets, adding beauty both in the garden and as part of floral displays.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care once established, it is an ideal plant for those who desire a beautiful garden without extensive upkeep.
- Self-Seeding: This plant can self-seed under the right conditions, potentially reducing the need to replant every year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fine foliage of Cosmos can be used as filler in fresh floral arrangements, adding a delicate, lacy contrast to other blooms.
- Pressed flower art can incorporate Cosmos petals due to their vibrant color and interesting shapes, which preserve well.
- Dried Cosmos flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, contributing a gentle shape and hint of color to the blend.
- The tall and flexible stems of Cosmos can serve as natural supports for other, more delicate plants in the garden.
- Cosmos seeds, being easy to collect, can be used for educational purposes such as teaching children about the life cycle of plants.
- The faded flowers and seeds of Cosmos can be left on the plant to provide food for birds, especially finches, in the garden.
- Cosmos can be used as a natural dye source, with the petals yielding subtle hues for fabrics or crafts.
- In some cultural practices, Cosmos flowers are used as offerings or decorations during festivals and ceremonies.
- Photographers often use Cosmos as a subject due to their beauty, capturing the delicate nature of the blooms in various lighting conditions.
- Due to their attractiveness to pollinators like bees and butterflies, Cosmos are useful in educational gardens to demonstrate pollination and biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony - Cosmos, in general, are associated with order and harmony in the universe due to their evenly spaced petals and radial symmetry that reflects the balance of nature.
- Peace - The color white of 'Cosmix White' Cosmos often symbolizes peace and purity, suggesting a sense of tranquility and innocence.
- Beauty - Cosmos are known for their simple beauty, showcasing elegance and a delicate appearance that's admired in gardens and floral arrangements.
- Modesty - Despite their striking appearance, Cosmos have an unassuming presence, which is why they can represent modesty or understated charm.
- Love - Often plants are symbolic of love, and the Cosmos, with its soft and appealing bloom, can be seen as an emblem of love between two people.
WaterCosmos, often referred to as the “Garden Cosmos” or “Mexican Aster,” should be watered deeply, ensuring the water reaches the root zone, approximately once a week. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to every three to five days. The soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings, as Cosmos prefer drier conditions. When watering, use approximately one gallon of water per plant, ensuring even distribution across the soil surface around the plant without wetting the foliage.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these flowers is an area that receives unfiltered, bright light throughout most of the day. Avoid places with shade or filtered light to encourage robust growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureThe Garden Cosmos can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 70°F and 85°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F and maximum temperatures up to approximately 100°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of the ideal range can stress the plants and reduce flowering.
PruningPruning Garden Cosmos encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch or cut back the tops when they are about 12 to 18 inches tall to stimulate side shoots. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong flowering. The best time to prune is in the mid to late growth season when the plants are actively growing and have enough foliage to spare.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, thrive in a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. A recipe for the best soil mix can include garden soil, compost, and peat with a ratio of 2:1:1 to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingGarden Cosmos typically do not require frequent repotting as they are annuals. They are often sown directly where they are to flower or repotted only if started in small containers once they outgrow them before transplanting outdoors.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos are not particularly humidity sensitive and do well in average ambient humidity. They can tolerate relatively dry conditions and do not require specific humidity adjustments for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Garden Cosmos in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Garden Cosmos in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White', commonly known as the Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, starts its life cycle as a seed sown in well-draining soil after the last spring frost. The seed germinates within 7 to 10 days in warm conditions and begins to grow into a seedling with feathery, finely-divided leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and more complex leaf structure and begins to form buds. Blooming typically occurs in the summer, revealing large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that attract a host of pollinators. The plant will continue to produce flowers throughout the summer and into the fall, given proper conditions. Once flowering is complete, it produces seeds that can be dispersed by wind or collected for future planting, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Cosmos, including Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cosmix White', is through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow Cosmos seeds is in spring, after the last frost when the soil has begun to warm up. You can start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for a head start, using a seed starting mix and placing them at a depth of about 1/4 inch (6 millimeters). Ensure the seeds have adequate moisture and light for germination, which typically takes 7-21 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are sturdy enough, and the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), they can be transplanted to a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil.
