Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Cranberries' (Double Click Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Cosmos double click series is known for its unique and alluring flowers, and the 'Double Click Cranberries' variety is no exception. This plant showcases a beautiful display of semi-double to fully double blooms, which means that rather than the single layer of petals found in traditional cosmos, these blossoms have several layers of petals that create a more lush and full appearance. The petals of 'Double Click Cranberries' are a striking deep cranberry color that fades out to a lighter pink toward the edges, giving a two-toned effect that is quite eye-catching. The petals themselves are broad and slightly ruffled, adding to the fluffy texture of the double blooms. Each flower consists of a central core of tightly clustered small petals or florets, surrounded by the larger, showier petals. In between, you might spot open spaces, which give the bloom a somewhat frilly look. This enchanting floral display is set against a backdrop of feathery, delicate foliage. The leaves are finely divided, almost fern-like, with a bright green hue that contrasts charmingly with the richness of the cranberry-colored flowers. This cosmos variety has a free-flowering habit, which means that it blooms generously throughout the growing season. The flowers are borne atop slender, yet sturdy stems which give the plants a breezy, informal appearance. Its appealing aesthetic makes it an excellent choice for adding a splash of color to borders or as a feature in a cut flower garden, as the flowers are excellent for arrangements. Overall, the Cosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' creates a vibrant and enchanting display that enhances any garden setting with its remarkable blooms and feathery foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Double Click Cranberries Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant is not advisable as it is not classified as edible. If there were any potential consequences of ingestion, they could include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or stomach ache, but there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with Cosmos as it is not known to be a toxic plant.
To pets
Cosmos is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe when pets come into contact with it, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from ingesting this plant. If a pet were to ingest a large amount of Cosmos, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomit or diarrhea, but no severe symptoms of poisoning are expected from the Cosmos plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cranberry
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 bipinnatus 'Double Click Cranberries' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that pollinate the flowers and support a healthy ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, including beginners.
- Long Blooming Period: The Double Click Cranberries cosmos offers a long flowering season, from early summer to the first frost, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant cranberry-colored, double-flowered blooms, it adds a striking visual impact to any garden setting or landscape.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, having long stems and a long vase life, perfect for creating attractive floral arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-conserving landscapes.
- Wildlife-friendly: It creates a habitat for wildlife, offering shelter and food for a variety of insects and birds, thus promoting biodiversity.
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 for natural fabric dyes, producing a range of pink to burgundy hues depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of Cosmos are an attractive addition to potpourri mixes, providing a pop of color and mild fragrance.
- Dried Cosmos flowers can be used in paper making, adding texture and color to handmade paper projects.
- The sturdy stems of Cosmos can provide structural support in floral arrangements for more delicate flowers.
- Cosmos seeds make for an interesting texture in mixed-media art projects or as part of a tactile garden for children.
- When dried, the flower heads can be used in crafting, such as creating natural Christmas ornaments or wreaths.
- Cosmos can be used as a teaching tool in classrooms for subjects like botany, life cycles, and plant biology.
- The pattern and structure of the flowers can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, especially in textile design.
- Petals of Cosmos can be sprinkled over salads for an edible garnish that adds a burst of color to the dish.
- They can be used as bookmarks, where a single dried flower acts as a decorative and unique placeholder in books.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and affection: Cosmos often signify the feelings of love due to their captivating beauty. 'Double Click Cranberries', with its rich, cranberry-like color, accentuates this symbolism, suggesting deep and passionate affection.
- Order and harmony: The name "Cosmos" is derived from the Greek word for harmony or ordered universe. The plant symbolizes inner order and balance, reflecting the orderly pattern of its petals and the well-distributed foliage.
- Peace and tranquility: Cosmos are known to convey a sense of calm and tranquility, making them a perfect representation of peace in one's life or in the natural world.
- Modesty: Despite their striking appearance, cosmos have a simplicity to them that has been associated with modesty in various cultural symbolisms.
- Beauty: The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Cranberries', like other cosmos, epitomizes beauty in the garden. Its vibrant double flowers are often seen as a symbol of aesthetic and natural allure.
- Freedom: The light and feathery foliage of the cosmos combined with the way the flowers dance in the breeze symbolize a sense of freedom and the ability to float through life with a carefree attitude.
WaterCosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' should be watered regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water these cosmos plants once a week with about one to two inches of water. During periods of high heat or drought, you might need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent over-saturation. In cooler temperatures or when the plants are not actively growing, you can reduce watering frequency.
LightCosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' requires full sun to bloom profusely, so place them in a spot where they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. These cosmos thrive in an open area that is well-exposed to daylight, ensuring they get enough light to support their vibrant blooms.
TemperatureCosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' prefer warm conditions and bloom best when daytime temperatures are between 75°F and 90°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F but may not survive frost or a prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing. For the highest quality blooms, maintain a garden environment within this ideal temperature range.
PruningCosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' should be pruned to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Perform a more substantial cutback by one-third if the plants start to look leggy in midsummer, and this will stimulate a new flush of blooms. The best time for major pruning is usually late summer to early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cosmos, also known as Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, is a well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant. To enhance drainage, incorporate perlite or sand, and for fertility, add compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Regular garden soil amended with these components often works well for growing healthy Cosmos plants.
RepottingGarden Cosmos typically do not need frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. However, if grown as perennials in containers, they should be repotted every couple of years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth. The best time to repot is in the spring before the new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos are not particularly humidity-sensitive and thrive in average ambient humidity found in most outdoor environments. They do not have specific humidity requirements, and as long as the plant receives adequate moisture through regular watering, it will flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' begins life as a seed, which when sown, germinates within 7-14 days under optimal conditions of warmth and moisture. The sprouted seedling emerges with a set of initial leaves (cotyledons) and soon develops true leaves, which are feathery in appearance, consistent with its membership in the Asteraceae family. As the plant grows, it develops a strong stem and a branched structure, forming a bushy appearance. During the flowering stage, it produces distinctive double-flowered blooms in shades of cranberry red that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for sowing in the following season. Finally, as an annual, Cosmos 'Double Click Cranberries' completes its life cycle by dying after seed production, with new plants growing from seeds the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Cosmos, specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Cranberries', is best propagated through seeds. The optimal time for sowing these seeds is after the danger of frost has passed, which is typically in late spring or early summer. Sowing can be done directly into the ground where they are to grow or in trays for later transplanting. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. Cosmos seeds can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost to get a head start on the growing season. Once established, cosmos plants may self-seed in the garden, providing a source of new plants for the following year.
