Garden Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Fizzy Series Formula mixed
ABOUT
Cosmos Fizzy Series Formula Mixed is a charming flowering plant known for its vibrant blossoms that add a splash of color to any garden. These cosmos flowers display an array of hues including shades of pink, purple, white, and sometimes a mix of these colors leading to lovely bicolored petals. The petals are uniquely fringed, providing a fluffy, ruffled appearance that sets the Fizzy Series apart from other cosmos varieties. They form an attractive, loose flower head that gives a soft, almost ethereal effect. The plant's petals surround a central disc, which can be yellow or darker shades depending on the individual flower. Beneath the delightful blooms, the foliage consists of feathery, fern-like leaves that are delicate and threadlike, adding to the overall airy and light aesthetic of the plant. The arrangement of the leaves along the stems is both symmetrical and attractive, which makes the plant look well-balanced and elegant even when not in bloom. This series of cosmos is known for its prolonged blooming period, offering a continuous display of eye-catching flowers throughout the growing season. The blend of flower colors and forms in the Fizzy Series Formula mixed variety makes it ideal for creating a lively and textured display in gardens, beds, borders, and containers. Its appearance can attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding movement and further interest to plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cosmea, Cutleaf Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus Fizzy Series Formula mixed.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Cosmos is not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported for Cosmos bipinnatus when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. If a person ingests a large amount of the plant and symptoms appear, it's crucial to seek medical advice.
To pets
Cosmos, the common name of the plant in question, is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from Cosmos bipinnatus. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets. If a pet consumes a large quantity of Cosmos and shows signs of distress, it's advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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: The Cosmos bipinnatus Fizzy Series, commonly known as Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, fostering a healthy and biodiverse garden ecosystem.
- Easy to grow: Known for its low maintenance requirements, the Garden Cosmos can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading.
- Long blooming period: Garden Cosmos flowers from midsummer into fall, providing a long-lasting display of vibrant colors in the garden.
- Cut flowers: The blooms of Garden Cosmos make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, with their feathery foliage adding an attractive backdrop to the floral display.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Garden Cosmos is relatively drought-resistant, making it a good option for xeriscaping and arid climate gardening.
- Self-seeding: Garden Cosmos can self-seed under the right conditions, often resulting in new plants germinating the following year with little to no effort from the gardener.
- Color variety: The Fizzy Series Formula mix offers a wide range of colors, giving the garden a diverse and vibrant palette that can be personalized according to the gardener's preferences.
- Brightens garden spaces: The Garden Cosmos can add height and structure to flower beds, borders, and large containers, bringing an eye-catching dimension to garden layouts.
- Fast-growing: Garden Cosmos plants typically grow quite quickly, ensuring that gardeners don't have to wait long for their gardens to flourish with color.
- Wildlife habitat: By providing nectar and habitat, Garden Cosmos helps to support wildlife, including birds that might feed on the seeds.
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, providing a range of colors depending on the part of the plant used and the mordant applied.
- These flowers make an ideal addition to a wildflower or cottage garden, encouraging biodiversity and attracting beneficial insects.
- Similarly, cosmos can be planted in fields as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and promote soil health.
- The petals of cosmos can be pressed or dried to create botanical art, such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed pieces.
- Cosmos seeds can be used in educational settings, such as elementary schools, to teach basic botany and lifecycle of plants.
- When planted in a vegetable garden, cosmos can serve as a companion plant, deterring pests and helping nearby vegetables thrive.
- The visual aesthetic of cosmos can be utilized in landscape design, contributing to color-themed gardens or floral borders.
- The blooms can be used as a natural confetti or decoration for outdoor celebrations, biodegrading without harming the environment.
- As a plant with structural height and feathery foliage, cosmos can be used in floral arrangements as a filler to add volume and texture.
- Cosmos petals can be used in crafting, for instance, embedding them into candles or making flower petal beads for jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: The plant's symmetrical and orderly blooming pattern is often associated with balance and harmony in life.
- Beauty: Cosmos flowers are known for their delicate and attractive petals, symbolizing the appreciation of beauty.
- Modesty: Despite their stunning appearance, cosmos flowers have a simple and understated elegance that can represent modesty.
- Peace: The plant's name 'Cosmos' means order and universe in Greek, suggesting an association with peace and tranquility.
- Order: The evenly spaced petals and radial symmetry of the cosmos flower signifies a sense of order and purpose.
- Love: Cosmos flowers, with their soft, feathery petals, are often given to express love and affection towards someone.
- Wholeness: The round and complete shape of the flower symbolizes wholeness and completeness.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as garden cosmos, should be watered regularly, but it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, watering once a week with approximately one gallon of water per plant should suffice, but this can vary depending on climate conditions such as heat or wind that may increase the need for water. If the cosmos are in pots, they may require more frequent watering, as soil in containers tends to dry out faster. During prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to maintain consistent soil moisture. Ensure that the plants are watered deeply to encourage strong root growth rather than just wetting the surface.
LightGarden cosmos thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting garden cosmos is in an area that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing them in areas with filtered light or partial shade, as too little light can result in leggy plants with fewer blooms.
TemperatureGarden cosmos performs best in temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit may harm the plant, while excessive heat above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can stress it. For optimum growth, try to maintain a garden environment within the ideal temperature range and provide adequate water during hotter periods.
PruningGarden cosmos benefits from occasional deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Pruning can be done throughout the blooming season, typically once every two to three weeks. The best time for pruning garden cosmos is when the flowers fade and before the seeds have fully formed. Regular deadheading also helps maintain a tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Cosmos thrive in a soil mix that is well-draining, fertile, and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A recipe for the best soil mix includes combining two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingCosmos, also known as Garden Cosmos, typically do not require frequent repotting as they are annuals. They grow from seed and complete their life cycle in one season, so repotting is generally not necessary.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels. They do best in well-ventilated areas where air circulation is good, reducing the need for specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, direct light and keep soil moderately dry.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water when topsoil is dry.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos, specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus Fizzy Series Formula mixed, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown into warm, moist soil after the last frost. These seeds germinate within 7-10 days, emerging as seedlings with their first pair of true leaves after the initial cotyledons. The plants then enter a vegetative growth stage, during which they develop a bushy framework of feathery, bipinnate leaves on sturdy stems. After several weeks to a few months, depending on climate and growing conditions, cosmos transitions to the flowering stage, with blooms in a mix of colors appearing throughout the summer and into fall. As flowers fade, they set seeds which can be collected for next season's planting or allowed to self-sow. Finally, cosmos plants typically die back with the first hard frost, completing their annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as the Cosmos or Mexican Aster, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method of propagation for the Fizzy Series Formula mixed, which includes a range of Cosmos varieties, is to sow the seeds directly into the garden after the last spring frost when the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep (approximately 3 millimeters) in the soil and lightly cover them. These should be spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters) to allow ample room for growth. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days in conditions around 75°F (24°C). Seedlings will then emerge, and after they have a couple of true leaves, they may be thinned out if needed to reduce competition and allow the healthiest plants to thrive. This method is preferred as it is straightforward and the plants quickly adapt to natural conditions, blooming typically by mid-summer.
