Garden Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White' (Fizzy Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos 'Fizzy White' is characterized by its charming, daisy-like flowers that add a sense of whimsy and elegance to any garden. The plant boasts stunning bright white blossoms, which are composed of a central disk surrounded by a flurry of delicate, pure white petals that are fringed at the edges. This frilly texture gives the illusion of a flower within a flower, adding depth and character to the bloom. The intricate petals radiate from the center in a lacey pattern and are set off by a contrasting yellow or sometimes orangey-yellow central eye that attracts the attention of pollinators. This lovely flower sits atop slender, gracefully arching stems that are cloaked in feathery, fern-like foliage. The leaves of the Cosmos 'Fizzy White' are finely divided, appearing almost thread-like, which gives the plant an airy, ethereal quality. The overall appearance of the Cosmos 'Fizzy White' is one of casual beauty, with flowers that sway gently in the breeze. This plant's light and elegant form makes it a delightful choice for border plantings, wildflower gardens, or as a filler in mixed floral arrangements. Its pristine white blossoms also add a luminous touch to the twilight garden, reflecting the soft glow of dusk and providing a serene backdrop for nighttime viewing.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Mexican Asters, Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White' (Fizzy Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, including Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White', is not known to be toxic to humans. These annual flowers are generally considered safe, and there are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with them as they are not poisonous. Consequently, ingesting parts of the Cosmos plant typically does not result in any adverse effects. However, it is always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants and flowers as a standard safety practice, and to keep in mind that individual allergies or sensitivities are possible with any plant.
To pets
Cosmos, including Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White', is not known to be toxic to pets. These plants are generally considered non-poisonous to animals such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the Cosmos plant is not likely to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse effects. As with any non-food plant material, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the non-digestible nature of plant fiber, but Cosmos is not recognized for toxicity to pets. It is always wise to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Easy to Grow: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White' is known for its ease of cultivation, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that pollinate nearby plants.
- Long Blooming Period: It produces flowers continuously from early summer until the first frosts, providing long-lasting garden interest.
- Low Maintenance: This cosmos variety requires minimal upkeep, making it a time-saving choice for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it's quite tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in fresh floral arrangements.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Fizzy White provides an aesthetic enhancement to gardens with its bright white blooms and feathery foliage.
- Suitable for Containers: It can be grown in pots or containers, offering versatility for those with limited garden space.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible, adding a decorative element to salads and other dishes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Cosmos is a favorite among photographers for adding a touch of elegance and softness to outdoor portraits or macro photography.
- Educational Tool: Educators use Cosmos in lessons about plant biology, lifecycles, and pollination to provide hands-on learning experiences.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners plant Cosmos among vegetables to attract beneficial insects that help with pest control.
- Artistic Inspiration: The delicate structure and vibrant color of Cosmos often inspire paintings, drawings, and other forms of art.
- Wedding Decor: Cosmos can be used to create natural and whimsical wedding decor, from centerpieces to bridal bouquets.
- Theme Gardens: Cosmos can be included in moon gardens or white-themed gardens due to their bright, pale flowers that shine in the twilight.
- Crafts: The flowers can be used in dried flower arrangements or pressed flower projects, preserving their beauty long-term.
- Insect Habitat: Cosmos can provide a micro-habitat for spiders and other small insects that use the plant for shelter and as a hunting ground.
- Fabric Dyeing: The petals of Cosmos can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a pale pink hue to textiles.
- Relaxation Aid: Simply being around Cosmos, with its light swaying and calming presence, can be used as a means to reduce stress in restful garden spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: Cosmos, derived from the Greek word for harmonious or ordered, symbolizes the plant's orderly growth pattern and harmonious petal arrangement.
- Peace and Tranquility: The soft, white petals of Fizzy White Cosmos convey a sense of calm and tranquility, often used to promote peace in gardens and bouquets.
- Modesty: Despite their showy appearance, cosmos flowers are traditionally associated with modesty due to their simple and elegant form and how they blend into their natural environment.
- Innocence and Purity: The color white in flowers often denotes purity and innocence, making the Fizzy White Cosmos a symbol of these virtues.
- Beauty in Movement: The delicate, moving petals of the Cosmos flower can represent beauty in motion and the dance of life, accentuating the connection between nature and the living world.
- Love and Devotion: In the language of flowers, cosmos are linked to love and devoted affections, with their abundant blooms and attractive appearance suggesting the deep, enveloping nature of love.
- Balance in Life: As a plant that signifies harmony, the cosmos also embodies the concept of balance, reflecting a balanced life or relationship.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as garden cosmos, should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain evenly moist soil. It is typically best to water the plant once a week, allowing for deep watering that encourages strong root development. Depending on weather conditions, approximately one gallon of water per plant per week should be sufficient. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall and avoid waterlogging the soil, as cosmos prefers well-draining conditions.
LightGarden cosmos thrives in a spot that receives full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. They perform the best when planted in an area away from shade so as to maximize their exposure to sunlight. The plant's growth and flowering are optimized under these conditions, as insufficient light can lead to weak stems and sparse blooms.
TemperatureGarden cosmos can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the daytime temperatures are between 75 and 90°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50°F but may not thrive if temperatures drop consistently below this. Cosmos generally prefer warmer climates and should be protected from frost.
PruningPruning garden cosmos involves deadheading, or removing spent flowers, to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the stems of faded flowers to the first leaf below the dead bloom. Also, cutting cosmos back by one-third mid-season can promote a flush of new growth and flowers. Pruning should be done as needed throughout the flowering season, which typically spans from summer until the first fall frost.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Garden Cosmos is well-draining soil with moderate fertility, with a peat-based mix complemented by perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The preferred soil pH for Garden Cosmos is between 6.0 and 8.5.
RepottingGarden Cosmos typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant seems to outgrow its current container.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos thrives in average humidity conditions; it does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright room and ensure good air circulation for indoor Garden Cosmos.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun and protect from strong winds for outdoor Garden Cosmos.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White', commonly known as garden cosmos or Mexican aster, begins life as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and provided with ample sunlight, germinates within 7-10 days. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, rapidly growing true leaves and establishing a small root system. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a sturdy stem and a bushy form with finely-divided, feathery leaves. Following vegetative growth, the garden cosmos transitions to the flowering stage, typically within 7-9 weeks after sowing, producing showy white flowers with a distinctive frilly edge atop long slender stalks. After pollination, typically by insects such as bees and butterflies, the plant sets seed in the form of achenes, which when mature, dry out and disperse to the surrounding area, ready to begin a new life cycle. Finally, as an annual, the plant completes its life cycle in a single growing season and dies with the onset of frost or wintry conditions, relying on its seeds to propagate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White', commonly known as Cosmos, is most easily propagated by seed. The ideal time for sowing Cosmos seeds is in the spring, after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 Celsius). To propagate, scatter the seeds on well-drained soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. Water gently until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Thin the seedlings to around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart once they reach a few inches in height to allow for healthy growth and air circulation. Sowing directly in the garden where plants are to grow is preferred as Cosmos plants don't often enjoy being transplanted due to their long taproots.
