Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler'
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler' is a strikingly beautiful plant that displays vibrant, daisy-like flowers. Each blossom is made up of a central disc, which is often yellow or golden in color, surrounded by radiating petals. The 'Dazzler' variety is known for its bright blooms that come in shades such as vivid pink or magenta, adding a burst of color to any garden setting. The petals are arranged in a single layer around the central disc, giving the flower a simple yet elegant appearance. This characteristic design resembles a classic cosmos flower with its open, airy look. The foliage of this plant is delicate and feathery, lending a fine texture that contrasts beautifully with the bold flowers. It is important to note that while different varieties of the cosmos plant can vary in size and stature, specific dimensions for 'Dazzler' are not relevant to the description as per the guidelines provided. That being said, this variety of cosmos is known for its lively appearance, which makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to inject a touch of brightness into their flower beds or borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler', is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized evidence that ingesting this plant causes poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Cosmos, including the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler', is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences in these animals. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Cosmos flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Easy to grow: Because they're not particularly demanding, cosmos are well-suited for beginner gardeners looking to add vibrant color to their gardens with minimal effort.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for gardens in drier climates or for conserving water.
- Long blooming period: Cosmos plants offer a long flowering season, usually from midsummer through fall, providing continuous color in the garden or landscape.
- Great for cut flowers: Their long stems and bright flowers make cosmos an excellent choice for creating bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: With its lively colors and feathery foliage, the Cosmos adds visual interest and can be used to create stunning borders or as part of a mixed flowerbed.
- Self-seeding: Cosmos can self-seed under the right conditions, providing new plants in subsequent years without additional planting.
- Edible flowers: The blossoms of Cosmos are edible and can be used as a decorative and colorful addition to salads and desserts.
- Wildlife habitat: They can provide a habitat for beneficial insects, contributing to a diverse and balanced garden ecosystem.
- Variety of uses: Ideal for mass plantings, borders, and containers, Cosmos offer flexibility in landscaping and garden design.
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 fabric dye: Garden cosmos petals can be used to produce a delicate pink dye for fabrics, giving them a unique and natural color.
- Ink production: The pigments from the petals could be extracted to make natural inks for art purposes, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic inks.
- Artistic inspiration: The vivid colors and patterns of the cosmos can be used as inspiration for artists and designers in fashion, textiles, and other visual arts.
- Gifting and crafts: Dried cosmos flowers can be incorporated into homemade gift cards, bookmarks, or potpourri mixes for a personal touch.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried petals of garden cosmos can serve as an eco-friendly confetti option for celebrations, as they decompose naturally.
- Culinary decoration: Fresh petals can be used to embellish salads and desserts, although they are not commonly known for their taste.
- Photography: With their bright colors, garden cosmos offer a perfect opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty of nature in their gardens.
- Floral baths: The petals of garden cosmos can be added to bathwater for a fragrant and visually appealing bathing experience.
- Educational tool: Garden cosmos can be grown by schools to teach children about plant biology, lifecycles, and the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem.
- Nature-based play: Children can use the flowers, leaves, and stems of garden cosmos for imaginative play, learning about nature while creating decorative crowns, wands, and other play items.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: The name "Cosmos" is derived from the Greek word for order, harmony, or the world. The 'Dazzler' variety, with its structured yet delicate petals, represents the universe's innate balance and beauty.
- Peace and Serenity: Cosmos flowers are often associated with tranquility and calmness. The 'Dazzler' variety, with its vibrant yet soothing shades, embodies a sense of peacefulness.
- Wholeness and Modesty: Despite their bright appearance, Cosmos flowers are simple and not overbearing. This relates to a symbolism of modesty and a reminder to maintain integrity and humility.
- Innocence and Purity: The gentle appearance of Cosmos flowers, including the 'Dazzler,' can symbolize the purity of one's thoughts and the innocence of young love.
- Love and Affection: Cosmos flowers are sometimes given to express deep affection for someone, with the 'Dazzler's' eye-catching blooms symbolizing a captivating and enduring love.
- Freedom and Independence: Cosmos plants are known for their free-spirited growth, symbolizing the desire for freedom and independence in life's journey.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as the Garden Cosmos, requires moderate watering. During the active growing season, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water the Cosmos deeply once a week with about 1 gallon of water, which encourages strong root growth. The amount may need to be increased during particularly hot or dry weather. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in an area with full sun exposure. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid locations with too much shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and sparse flowering. Cosmos grows best with bright and unfiltered light, which promotes abundant blooms.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Garden Cosmos is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, frosts or temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can damage or kill the plant. They prefer the warmer months, but they do tolerate some variability in temperature as long as frost is not a threat.
PruningPruning Garden Cosmos is mainly done to encourage fuller plants and more blooms. They should be deadheaded regularly by removing spent flowers. This can be done every week or as needed to promote continuous flowering. The best time to prune or pinch back the plant's early growth is in late spring or early summer, which helps to create a bushier plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Cosmos, commonly known as Cosmos, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat or compost, and a bit of sand or perlite makes an ideal medium. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve fertility and structure.
RepottingGarden Cosmos are typically grown as annuals and thus do not often require repotting. If started in containers, they may be moved to larger pots if they outgrow their current one, which can be within a few weeks after germination.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos are not particularly humidity sensitive and do well in average room humidity levels. They can thrive in outdoor conditions where the humidity ranges from low to moderate but avoid overly humid environments that might encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cosmos in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant Cosmos in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler', commonly known as the Mexican Aster 'Dazzler', starts its life as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil, typically in spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling emerges, growing two embryonic leaves (cotyledons) followed by true leaves, as it establishes its root system. As it matures into a vegetative stage, the plant develops a strong stem and a bushy formation of feathery, pinnate leaves. The Mexican Aster 'Dazzler' then enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms with a central disc surrounded by radiant petals, which are often pink, red, or white, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, flowers develop into seed heads, releasing seeds that can generate new plants. The plant completes its annual life cycle by dying back after seed dispersal, having successfully reproduced within a single growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler', commonly known as the Cosmos or Mexican Aster, is predominantly propagated by seeds. The ideal time for sowing is typically in spring after the risk of frost has passed, aiming for soil temperatures of about 70°F (21°C). To propagate, scatter the seeds onto a well-drained soil mix and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. The seeds generally require direct sunlight to germinate, so placing them in a bright, warm spot is crucial. Water them gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and under the right conditions, germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. This method of sowing seeds directly into the garden or starting them indoors and later transplanting them is the most popular and efficient for growing Cosmos 'Dazzler'.
