Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
ABOUT
The Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly referred to as the Mexican aster, is a showy garden plant known for its simple yet elegant aesthetic. It features an array of colorful, daisy-like flowers that have a central disc encircled by ray florets. These florets come in a variety of shades, typically in hues of pink, purple, red, and white, with a yellow center offering a striking contrast. The Mexican aster's flowers are perched atop slender stems, which arise from its delicate, feathery foliage. The leaves of this plant are finely divided, giving them a feathery or ferny appearance, and they're arranged in an opposite fashion along the stems. The overall aspect of the Mexican aster is one of airiness and grace, contributing to its popularity in gardens and as a cut flower in arrangements. Its delicate flowers and fine-textured leaves sway gently in the breeze, adding movement and a touch of whimsy to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos
Common names
Bidens formosa, Coreopsis formosa, Cosmos diversifolius, Cosmos sulphureus, Cosmos sulphureus var. formosus.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, or more specifically Cosmos bipinnatus, is generally not considered toxic to humans. While the plant is not edible and not meant for consumption, accidental ingestion typically does not lead to serious poisoning or hazardous health effects. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities may occur. If large quantities are ingested, mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or stomach ache could potentially result, but significant toxicity is not a characteristic of Cosmos.
To pets
Cosmos, known as Cosmos bipinnatus, is not listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not known to cause harmful effects if pets happen to ingest small amounts of the plant. As with many plants that are not part of an animal's regular diet, consuming large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the non-digestible nature of the plant material, not due to inherent toxicity. However, it is always wise to prevent pets from consuming any plant material to avoid potential allergic reactions or non-toxicity related health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators – Cosmos bipinnatus is known to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds, which is essential for the pollination of many plants and the overall health of gardens.
- Easy to grow – The plant is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought tolerant – Once established, cosmos are quite tolerant of drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Enhances garden aesthetics – With its vibrant and diverse range of colors, the plant adds visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Provides cut flowers – Cosmos bipinnatus produces blooms ideal for cutting and creating bouquets, adding beauty both indoors and out.
- Soil improvement – The plant can help break up heavy soils and improve soil structure through its root system.
- Fast growth – Cosmos plants grow quickly, providing quick coverage and gratification in garden spaces.
- Long blooming season – The plant has a long flowering season, often from early summer until the first frost, providing extended color and interest.
- Suitable for containers – It can be successfully grown in pots and containers, offering flexibility for gardeners with limited space.
- Self-seeding – Cosmos bipinnatus often self-seeds, which can ensure a display of flowers in the following years with minimal effort.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Cosmos bipinnatus has been reported to have antioxidant properties due to the presence of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in its petals and leaves.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Extracts from Cosmos bipinnatus may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which could help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Skin health: Traditionally, Cosmos bipinnatus has been used for treating skin conditions and improving skin health, though scientific evidence supporting this use is limited.
- Wound healing: There are some indications that extracts from Cosmos bipinnatus could be beneficial in wound healing due to potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as Cosmos, can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, producing various shades of brown, orange, and yellow depending on mordant used.
- The petals of Cosmos can be used in bookmark crafting for adding a touch of natural beauty to the book reading experience.
- Petal confetti made from dried Cosmos flowers offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper confetti at weddings and celebrations.
- Pressed Cosmos flowers can be used in resin jewelry, encapsulating the delicate forms and colors within wearable art pieces.
- Cosmos flowers can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, contributing vibrant colors and a subtle, pleasant fragrance to the mix.
- The stems and foliage of Cosmos are sometimes incorporated into natural insect-repelling sachets along with other plants and essential oils.
- Cosmos seeds are a popular element in seed paper; when the paper is planted, it biodegrades and the seeds germinate, sprouting new plants.
- The plant can also be used educationally in botany and horticulture programs as an example of easy-to-grow annuals for teaching plant life cycles.
- Artists and photographers often use Cosmos flowers as subjects or backdrops for their works due to their vibrant and varied colors.
- Florists might use the lacy foliage of Cosmos in fresh flower arrangements as a delicate filler to create a softer, more textured look.
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- Beauty in Chaos: The name 'Cosmos' comes from the Greek word for 'orderly,' ironically applied to these plants which bloom in a seemingly random, 'chaotic' fashion, symbolizing the beauty found in disorder.
- Harmony and Balance: The balanced and dainty appearance of the Cosmos flowers also signifies harmony and the idea of remaining centered.
- Wholeness: The open form of the flower, with its central disk and surrounding petals, reflects the concept of the universe, suggesting the sense of wholeness.
- Modesty: Despite their vibrant display, Cosmos flowers have a natural simplicity to them, representing modesty in their unassuming beauty.
- Peace and Serenity: Often included in tranquil garden designs, Cosmos flowers symbolize peace and are believed to soothe the emotions.
- Innocence: The flower's delicate and simple form often associates it with innocence, especially in the context of love and relationships.
- Freedom: Because they sway freely in the wind and reseed themselves, Cosmos are often associated with the concept of freedom and going with the flow.
- Love of a Mother: In some cultures, the Cosmos flower is used to represent the undying love of a mother.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as Cosmos flowers, should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. They typically require watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on temperature and rainfall. It's best to water deeply, providing about 1-2 gallons per square yard of soil, which encourages the roots to grow deeper into the ground. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightCosmos flowers thrive in full sun, meaning they require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They are best positioned in a spot where they can receive unfiltered, direct sunlight throughout the day to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureCosmos flowers are hardy in a wide range of temperatures but perform best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 25°F, but frost can damage the plants. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights, which aids in robust growth.
PruningPruning Cosmos flowers, also known as deadheading, encourages more blooms and maintains the plant’s appearance. Snip off the spent flowers right below the flower head as soon as they begin to fade. Deadheading should be done regularly throughout the flowering season. Autumn is the best time for more substantial pruning as the plants begin to die back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, thrives in a soil mix of well-draining loam with some added compost. The ideal pH for Garden Cosmos is between 6.0 to 8.0. It's essential to avoid overly rich soils or excessive fertilization, which can lead to more foliage than flowers.
RepottingGarden Cosmos, typically grown as an annual, doesn't usually require repotting as it completes its lifecycle in one season. If started indoors, transplant into the garden once the seedling is strong enough and the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels to thrive, making it suitable for a wide range of environments. However, it fares best in conditions that are not excessively humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal water for Cosmos indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as the Mexican aster, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm, moist soil during spring or after the last frost date. The seedling emerges and develops true leaves, forming a rosette at the base as it enters the vegetative growth stage. As the plant matures, it develops a strong stem and a branching habit, leading to the formation of buds. These buds bloom into daisy-like flowers with a range of colors from white and pink to deep rose and purple, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies during the flowering stage. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that mature within the flower head, completing the reproductive cycle. When the seeds are fully mature, they are dispersed by wind or other means, ensuring the continuation of the species for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as the Mexican Aster, is primarily propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing these seeds directly into the garden is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, typically in late spring. To propagate, one should scatter the seeds lightly onto a well-drained soil and gently press them into the surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, no more than 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) deep. Water the area gently but thoroughly to moisten the soil without causing the seeds to wash away. Germination will usually occur within 7 to 10 days. Once seedlings have emerged and grown large enough to handle, they can be thinned to allow 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) between plants so they have room to grow and flourish.
