Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream'
ABOUT
The Cosmos 'Daydream' is a flowering plant with an ethereal and delicate appearance. This variety is characterized by its broad, fern-like leaves that are finely divided into thread-like segments, contributing to an airy and feathery texture. The leaves are typically a vibrant green color that provides a lovely contrast to its blossoms. The flowers of the Cosmos 'Daydream' are its most striking feature. They are daisy-like in form with a ring of soft pink petals that may exhibit a gradient of color, often with shades that become lighter as they approach the central disc. The center of each flower is a bright and sunny yellow, creating a cheerful focal point. These flowers possess a simplistic elegance and a gentle demeanor that can add a dreamy quality to any garden. The entire plant exudes an informal and pleasant charm. Its stems are slender and gently sway with the breeze, which adds to the overall whimsical nature of the Cosmos 'Daydream.' The blooms are not only visually appealing but are also known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, making it a lively addition to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Daydream Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos is generally considered non-toxic to humans, which means that Cosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream' is not known to have toxic effects if ingested or handled. Therefore, there typically would not be any symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
Cosmos, including the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream' variety, is also usually considered safe and non-toxic to pets like dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or severe consequences for pets. However, individual pets could potentially have a mild GI upset if they consume a large amount of any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos 'Daydream' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which helps with the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is considered low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Cosmos 'Daydream' produces flowers throughout the summer until frost, providing a consistent display of color in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for gardens in dryer climates.
- Landscape Beautification: With its attractive pale pink flowers, 'Daydream' adds aesthetic value to the landscape, enhancing garden design.
- Height Variation: It can add vertical interest to a garden due to its taller growth habit, creating a diverse structure in garden planning.
- Cut Flowers: Cosmos 'Daydream' is excellent for cutting and arranging in bouquets, with its stems remaining fresh in vases for an extended period.
- Edible Flowers: The petals of Cosmos 'Daydream' are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish in salads and desserts.
- Low Disease Risk: It is generally resistant to common plant diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a habitat for various species of insects, thus contributing to biodiversity.
- Self-Seeding: It often self-seeds, which means it can reappear in the garden year after year without needing to be replanted.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of colors from yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- Pressed cosmos flowers are often utilized in craft projects like making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in resin jewelry for their delicate and colorful appearance.
- As a companion plant in gardens, cosmos can help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies which are vital for pollination.
- Cosmos petals can be used in potpourri mixes to add color and a light, pleasant fragrance to a room.
- These flowers can be used in educational settings to teach children about the life cycle of plants and the importance of pollinators in ecosystems.
- Cosmos seeds, due to their size and shape, are sometimes used in art classes for mosaic projects or as a natural material for making seed art.
- Because of their tall and elegant stems, cosmoss can be used as a structural element in garden design, contributing height and texture to a floral landscape.
- The petals of cosmos flowers can be scattered in baths for a luxurious and visually appealing experience.
- When dried, these flowers can be incorporated into wreaths or other dried flower arrangements for home decor.
- Photographers may use cosmos fields as a vibrant and beautiful backdrop for portrait photography, benefiting from their range of colors and large, open blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony - Cosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream', also known as Cosmos, symbolizes harmony due to its balanced and orderly petal arrangement, reflecting the orderliness and peace in the universe.
- Balance - The radial symmetry of Cosmos flowers depicts balance, representing how different aspects of life can coexist in equilibrium.
- Beauty - With its delicate petals and attractive colors, Cosmos is often associated with an appreciation of beauty, both in the natural world and in our lives.
- Modesty - Despite its striking appearance, Cosmos has a simple and unassuming form, which has made it a symbol of modesty in various cultures.
- Wholeness - The full, round shape of the flower evokes a sense of wholeness and completeness, much like a circle, which is often seen as a symbol of totality.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as the Garden Cosmos, should be watered regularly but moderately, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering once a week with approximately one to two gallons of water per plant is sufficient. However, the frequency should be increased during particularly hot or dry weather. It's best to water Garden Cosmos at the base of the plant early in the morning to allow leaves to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightThe Garden Cosmos thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the plant in a spot where it will receive ample light without too much shade, as this is crucial for abundant flowering. Partial shade is tolerable but may result in fewer blooms and a leggier plant.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos perform well in a wide range of temperatures but grow best when the daytime temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and can survive up to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit during heatwaves. Nevertheless, consistent temperatures within the ideal range will result in the most vigorous growth and blooms.
PruningPruning, also known as deadheading, is beneficial for the Garden Cosmos as it encourages further blooming and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Pinch off spent flowers to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. The best time to prune Garden Cosmos is immediately after the blooms fade. Regular deadheading, about once a week during the peak flowering season, can keep the plants looking tidy and full.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, or Garden Cosmos, thrive in a well-draining soil mix composed of loamy or sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Adding organic matter like compost can further enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
RepottingGarden Cosmos plants, typically grown as annuals, do not usually require repotting. If started in containers, they can be moved to their final growing location in the garden once they've developed a strong root system.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos plants are not particularly humidity sensitive and do well in average outdoor humidity levels. They are tolerant of a variety of conditions and do not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-drained soil, spacing 12-18 inches.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream', commonly known as the Cosmos Daydream, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown into warm soil after the last frost of spring. They germinate within 7 to 10 days, after which seedlings emerge and gradually develop true leaves. The young plants grow swiftly, and within several weeks, they start forming bushy foliage with finely divided leaves characteristic of cosmos. Flowering typically starts in early to mid-summer, producing the plant's daisy-like flowers with pink, white, or bi-colored petals and a central yellow disk. Cosmos Daydream will continue to bloom prolifically until the first hard frost in the fall if deadheaded regularly. As the plant completes its life cycle, it produces seeds that can be collected for the next planting season or left to self-seed in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Cosmos bipinnatus 'Daydream', commonly known as Cosmos, is by seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground after the danger of frost has passed, usually in the spring. To ensure a good start, seeds should be planted about 1/8 inch deep (approximately 3 mm) and spaced a few inches apart. Cosmos prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Seedlings will emerge in 7 to 14 days. Thin the seedlings to about 12 inches (30 cm) apart once they have a couple of sets of leaves. This spacing allows the plants enough room to grow and thrive, creating a stunning display of flowers.
