Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes Blush' (Cupcakes Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos 'Cupcakes Blush', part of the Cupcakes Series, is a distinctive flowering plant notable for its unique blooms. The flowers carry a soft, pastel hue that transitions from a pale pink to a blush tone, giving the appearance of a delicate wash of watercolor. These blooms resemble cupcake wrappers due to their fused petals which create a bowl-like shape, and this trait sets the 'Cupcakes Blush' apart from more traditional cosmos varieties that feature open, daisy-like flowers. The petals are broad and sometimes slightly ruffled or wavy, contributing to the whimsical and ornate look of the flower heads. Surrounding the central disc, the petals can sometimes display slight variations in color intensity, often with lighter or more vivid shades radiating from the center. The leaves of 'Cupcakes Blush' are finely divided, ferny, and have a delicate, airy texture which contrasts beautifully with the substantial form of the flower heads. These slender leaves are typically a bright, fresh green color providing a lovely backdrop that further enhances the visual appeal of the flowers. The plant carries an overall graceful appearance, with an open and branching habit that allows the blossoms to dance above the foliage when swayed by gentle winds. Adding to its charm, Cosmos 'Cupcakes Blush' also attracts various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its inviting blooms. Displayed against the green foliage, the enchanting pastel flowers of Cosmos 'Cupcakes Blush' create a romantic and cottage-garden ambience in any landscape where they are planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, specifically Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes Blush', is generally considered to be a non-toxic plant to humans. Ingesting this plant is unlikely to cause harmful effects or symptoms of poisoning. However, sensitivity to plants can vary among individuals, and it's always advisable to avoid eating plants not intended for consumption as they could cause discomfort or an allergic reaction in some cases.
To pets
Cosmos, including the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes Blush', is also generally considered to be non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest parts of the Cosmos plant, it typically would not lead to symptoms of poisoning. As with humans, individual pets may have different sensitivities, so while toxicity is not expected, ingestion may still cause some gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in more sensitive pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes Blush' produces delicate, ruffled flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, making it ideal for beginners or low-maintenance gardens.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of Cosmos attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Extended Blooming Period: Offering a long flowering season, this plant continuously blooms from early summer to fall, providing enduring color.
- Heat Tolerance: This cosmos variety is heat resistant, making it suitable for warm climates and conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's quite tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cut Flowers: The stems and blooms are excellent for cutting, perfect for bouquets and flower arrangements.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which helps to prevent the plants from being eaten in areas where deer are a common problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmic Blush cupcakes can be used in cut flower arrangements, offering a delicate and romantic touch to bouquets and centerpieces with their unique cupcake-shaped petals and soft colors.
- The plant can serve as a food source for beneficial insects, attracting ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps which help control pest populations in the garden.
- As a companion plant, Cosmic Blush cupcakes can be placed near vegetable gardens to help attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many crops.
- The dried petals of the Cosmic Blush cupcakes can be used in potpourri mixes, adding a light floral fragrance to rooms when combined with other dried flowers and spices.
- The seeds from the spent blooms can be collected and used to propagate new plants, making it a sustainable choice for gardeners who wish to expand their flower beds or share with others.
- Cosmic Blush cupcakes can be planted in outdoor classroom settings to teach children about the lifecycle of plants, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity.
- Their long stems and vibrant colors can be utilized to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- The petals can be pressed and preserved in glass frames or as bookmarks, serving as an artful reminder of the summer garden all year round.
- Gardeners can use the growth pattern of Cosmic Blush cupcakes to create living garden art by planting them in specific designs or patterns that form a visual display when they bloom.
- Photographers and artists may use the unique look of the Cosmic Blush cupcakes as a subject for their work, capturing the beauty and intricacy of these flowers in various mediums.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The Cosmos plant is often associated with love. Its delicate petals can represent deep affection and a balanced relationship.
- Beauty: The flower's attractive form is symbolic of beauty, suggesting the appreciation of external aesthetics as well as inner charm.
- Harmony: The orderly arrangement of the Cosmos flower's petals suggests a sense of harmony, which can be associated with inner peace and tranquility.
- Modesty: Despite its striking appearance, the Cosmos flower has a simplicity to it that can represent modesty and unassuming character.
- Order: The symmetrical nature of the Cosmos flower is indicative of order and structure, symbolizing a balanced and well-organized life.
WaterGarden Cosmos should be watered regularly, especially during prolonged dry spells. They are somewhat drought tolerant, but consistent moisture will produce the best blooms. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. As a rule of thumb, water the plants with approximately 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. During particularly hot or windy weather, you may need to water them more frequently, while cooler, cloudy days will require less. To avoid disease, water at the base of the plants rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in a spot that receives full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They perform best in areas with ample sunshine, so planting them in a south-facing garden or landscape where they can receive uninterrupted sunlight is ideal. Avoid placing them in areas with too much shade, as this can hinder their growth and flowering.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos prefer warm temperatures and are best suited for growth in conditions that range from 60°F to 90°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F but will not survive frost. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is within the range of 70°F to 85°F.
PruningGarden Cosmos benefits from occasional deadheading to promote continuous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. If the plant becomes leggy, you can prune it back by about one-third in midsummer to rejuvenate bushiness and to promote a second flush of flowers. Pruning is best done during the cooler parts of the day to reduce plant stress.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos 'Cupcakes Blush' thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite is ideal to provide proper aeration and drainage.
RepottingCosmos 'Cupcakes Blush' is generally grown as an annual, so repotting is not commonly required. If started in containers, they can be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingCosmos 'Cupcakes Blush' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity; average ambient outdoor conditions are generally sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep at room temperature.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Cupcakes Blush', commonly known as Garden Cosmos, begins its life as seed, which under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a tiny seedling. The seedling rapidly grows into a young plant with characteristic feathery foliage. Over time, this annual plant matures and develops flower buds as it benefits from full sunlight and well-drained soil. The unique cupcake-shaped flowers bloom predominantly in the summer and can continue until the first frost if deadheaded regularly, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds which mature and are eventually dispersed to create a new generation of plants. Finally, with the onset of winter or harsher conditions, the above-ground parts of the Cosmos die back, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Cosmos 'Cupcakes Blush', a variety known for its unique flower shape, is commonly propagated through seeds. The ideal time to sow these seeds is after the last frost when the soil has warmed, typically in late spring. For successful germination, scatter the seeds onto a well-draining soil mix, lightly cover them with about 1/8 inch of soil, and moisten. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seeds will usually germinate within 7 to 10 days in proper conditions, which means soil temperatures should be around 75°F (24°C). Seedlings can then be thinned out or transplanted to ensure they have enough space to grow. This direct sowing method leverages the plant's natural growth cycle, encouraging strong development and a healthy root system.
