Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Snow Puff' (Double Click Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Cosmos 'Double Click Snow Puff' is a striking plant known for its ornate flowers. The blossoms are double or semi-double, meaning they have additional rows of petals compared to regular cosmos flowers, producing a fuller, fluffier appearance. Resembling pompoms or cloud-like tufts, these blooms are predominantly white, imparting a fresh, pristine look that stands out in any garden setting. The petals have a unique, textured quality, adding depth to the flower's form. They are arranged in a radial symmetry around the central part of the plant's flower, which may be a lighter or sometimes yellowish hue. The overall effect is one that suggests softness and intricacy, evoking the image of a delicate snowball or a softly ruffled skirt. The foliage of the Cosmos 'Double Click Snow Puff' is feathery and fern-like, with slender leaves that are finely divided. This airy, lace-like foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the showy blooms, emphasizing their elegance and making the white flowers even more prominent. The leaves are a bright, refreshing green, contributing to the plant's buoyant and cheerful vibe. This variety of cosmos is part of the Double Click Series, which is prized for its larger and more abundant blooms, and the 'Snow Puff' is no exception. It is a real standout thanks to its delicate, yet striking flowers that offer a sense of lightness and grace to any space it inhabits. Its appearance can be described as both sophisticated and charming, capable of elevating the aesthetics of garden borders, flower beds, and arrangements with its exceptional beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus
ToxicityTo humans
The Cosmos, particularly the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Snow Puff', is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Consequently, ingestion of this plant is not known to cause serious harm or symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure since individual sensitivities can vary.
To pets
The Cosmos, including the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Snow Puff', is not listed as toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around pets, and ingestion is unlikely to cause poisoning. Nonetheless, it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their diet to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or unexpected reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its unique double flowers and pristine white blossoms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Brings bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which can help pollinate other plants.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a prolonged display of flowers from late spring to fall, providing long-lasting garden color.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water availability.
- Great for Cut Flowers: Its stems are sturdy and blooms are long-lasting, making it ideal for fresh floral arrangements.
- Self-Seeding: It can self-seed under the right conditions, creating naturalized areas of color with minimal effort.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, containers, and as a part of mixed flower beds.
- Wildlife Friendly: Contributes to the biodiversity of the garden by providing habitat and food sources for various animals.
- Colorful Garden Addition: It adds contrast and pops of color when planted among other perennials and annuals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking blooms of Cosmos provide a beautiful backdrop or focal point for photography enthusiasts, including both professional shoots and casual garden photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists often use Cosmos flowers as a subject for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artwork, leading to a diverse array of art featuring their unique form and vibrant colors.
- Educational Tool: In schools and educational programs, Cosmos can be used to teach students about plant biology, life cycles, and the importance of pollinators in gardens and ecosystems.
- Dye Production: The petals of Cosmos can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of shades from the flowers' various pigments.
- Theme Gardens: Cosmos can be utilized in theme gardens, such as a 'moon garden', where the white blooms of 'Double Click Snow Puff' perfectly fit within a palette of night-blooming or pale-hued plants.
- Mood Enhancement: The presence of Cosmos in a work or living space can improve mood and wellbeing, contributing to a more peaceful, positive environment.
- Craft Projects: Dried Cosmos flowers can be incorporated into various craft projects including homemade cards, bookmarks, and even potpourri.
- Event Decorations: The bright and cheerful blooms of Cosmos can be used to create festive and inviting atmospheres at events such as weddings, garden parties, or other celebrations.
- Butterfly Gardens: Planting Cosmos attracts butterflies, which not only benefits the plants but also provides an opportunity for building butterfly watching or conservation areas.
- Seed Harvesting: Cosmos are easy to grow from seed, making them a great candidate for seed saving and sharing among gardeners to promote biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Cosmos, in general, symbolize beauty due to their enchanting appearance and delicate structure, and 'Double Click Snow Puff' with its unique puffy blooms can represent an exquisite form of beauty.
- Harmony: The symmetry of the cosmos flower signifies balance and harmony in life, reflecting its Latin name 'Cosmos' which means a harmonious and well-ordered universe.
- Wholeness: The full, double-flowered nature of the 'Double Click Snow Puff' variety might be seen as a symbol of wholeness and completeness.
- Purity: The pristine white color of 'Double Click Snow Puff' suggests purity and innocence, commonly associated with white flowers in the language of plants.
- Peace: White flowers like 'Double Click Snow Puff' often stand for peace and tranquility, offering a sense of calm and serenity.
- Love: Cosmos flowers hold the message of walking in love; their open petals can be thought to embody an open heart and the garden presence of 'Double Click Snow Puff' adds a touch of romance.
WaterGarden Cosmos, commonly referred to as Cosmos, should be watered regularly but moderation is key to prevent overwatering and the subsequent root rot. Ideally, the plant should receive around 1 inch of water per week, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. During particularly hot or windy periods, you may need to water the Cosmos more frequently. It's beneficial to water the plant at soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Always allow the soil to become slightly dry to the touch between watering sessions, ensuring that the roots are not in constantly wet soil.
LightCosmos thrives best in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. These plants are accustomed to the bright conditions of open meadows and fields, so the ideal spot for your Cosmos would be an open area away from the shade of larger plants or structures that could block significant amounts of sunlight. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to weak stems and sparse blooms.
TemperatureCosmos are warm-season plants and prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure minimum temperatures down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage or kill the plants. To encourage vigorous growth and flowering, it is best to maintain garden cosmos within their preferred temperature range and protect them from extreme cold.
PruningFor Cosmos, pruning, often referred to as "deadheading," is done to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and to prolong the blooming period. Remove spent blooms regularly to prevent the plants from going to seed. The best time to prune or deadhead Cosmos is when the flower petals have begun to with and before the seeds form. Throughout the blooming season, you should check the plants weekly and remove the spent flowers to keep your Cosmos looking their best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, often referred to as Garden Cosmos, thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat or coco coir, and one part perlite or sand works well to maintain proper drainage and aeration, essential for healthy growth. Regular compost amendment can also enhance soil fertility.
RepottingGarden Cosmos are annuals and typically don't require repotting as they complete their life cycle in one season. If started in containers, transplant them to the garden or larger pots only if they outgrow their initial container before it's time to plant them outdoors.
Humidity & MistingCosmos do not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. Being adaptable, they perform well in the average outdoor humidity conditions where they are commonly grown as garden plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos, specifically Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Snow Puff' (Double Click Series), begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring when the soil has warmed. The seedlings emerge and grow rapidly, producing delicate, finely divided foliage. As the plant matures, it develops sturdy stems and begins to form distinctive fluffy double flowers that are white in color. The blooming period extends through summer and often into fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that mature and can be collected or allowed to fall to the ground where they may self-sow. As temperatures drop in late fall, the cosmos plants naturally senesce and die back, completing their annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Cosmos 'Double Click Snow Puff' is commonly propagated by seed, and the best time to sow these seeds is in early spring, after the last frost has passed when soil temperatures are around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius). The seeds are sown shallowly, at a depth of no more than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters), spaced a few inches apart to allow for adequate growth. They require a well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days when kept moist. Once seedlings have grown large enough to handle, usually with a few sets of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions in the garden, being careful not to damage the root system while doing so.
