Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks'
ABOUT
The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks' is a delightfully showy plant known for its vibrant and fluffy pink flowers that boast a unique pompom-like appearance. Each flower is comprised of a multitude of slender and thread-like petals that radiate from the center, creating a frilly texture that resembles a ruffled tutu. This gives the blooms a soft and frothy look, adding to their playful charm. The flowers are held aloft on slender stems that gently sway in the breeze, giving the plant a sense of movement and grace. The foliage of the 'Pink Popsocks' cosmos is just as elegant as its flowers, with fine, feathery leaves that are delicately divided, contributing to the plant's airy and ethereal quality. The leaves are a bright green color, creating a perfect backdrop that makes the pink flowers pop even more strikingly. Overall, the 'Pink Popsocks' cosmos is a captivating garden specimen that exudes a romantic and whimsical vibe. This plant is sure to attract attention and admiration, lending a touch of magic and color wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos is not toxic to humans, and there is no specific report of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting the plant known as Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks'. Nonetheless, it is generally not recommended to consume ornamental plants due to the potential for pesticide contamination and the lack of information on their edibility and safety.
To pets
Cosmos, including the Pink Popsocks variety, is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of this plant by household pets. However, ingestion of any plant material may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the novelty and fiber content rather than specific toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks' entices bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Easy to Grow: This cosmos variety is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance and care once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for regions with water scarcity.
- Long Blooming: It offers a long flowering period, providing colorful blooms from early summer into fall.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its vibrant pink flowers, it adds a splash of color and enhances the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Edible Flowers: The petals of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks' are edible and can be used to add a decorative touch to salads and desserts.
- Self-Seeding: This plant can self-seed under suitable conditions, ensuring the garden stays vibrant year after year with minimal effort.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other UsesCosmos flowers can be used as a dye source for fabrics, providing natural and delicate color shades ranging from pinks to oranges depending on the mordants used.
The petals of Cosmos can be used in potpourri mixtures for a subtle fragrance and color addition to the dried flowers and botanicals.
As a subject in photography, the striking appearance of Cosmos lends itself to creative photo opportunities because of its vibrant colors and appealing structure.
Cosmos can be added to salads as an edible garnish, with the bright petals offering an aesthetic flair and a slight vegetal taste.
Due to its attractive blossoms, Cosmos is ideal for creating natural confetti that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly for celebrations.
When dried, the seed heads of Cosmos can be used in arts and crafts, such as in the creation of natural jewelry or decorative elements in wreaths and arrangements.
Cosmos seeds can be used as a learning tool in educational settings to teach children about the life cycle of plants and the basics of gardening.
The tall and sturdy stems of Cosmos can be used as natural supports for other, more delicate or vining plants in the garden.
Cosmos petals can be pressed and preserved in glass frames or bookmarks as a way to enjoy their beauty long-term and create handmade gifts.
The presence of Cosmos in the garden can provide habitat and nourishment for beneficial insects like bees, promoting biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGarden Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGarden Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The Cosmos flower is often associated with love and is given as a gesture to represent deep affection.
- Beauty: With its delicate petals and graceful appearance, the Cosmos is symbolic of beauty and harmony.
- Order and Harmony: The word 'cosmos' in Greek means orderly, beautiful, and ornamental, reflecting the plant's balanced and symmetrical form.
- Modesty: Despite its striking appearance, Cosmos holds an air of modesty and simplicity in its structure and growth.
- Peace: The calming presence of Cosmos flowers can symbolize peace and tranquility, making it a fitting gesture in moments of reflection or condolence.
WaterGarden Cosmos should be watered regularly, but it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. During the active growing season, watering once a week with about one to two gallons per plant should suffice, depending on weather conditions. However, in periods of extreme heat or drought, additional water may be necessary to keep the soil moist. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in full sun, so the best spot for it is an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid planting in shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers. They are ideal for open landscapes where they can bask in the sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers it when the environment is between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit but may not survive frost without protection. Ensure that the plant is not exposed to overly hot conditions as temperatures consistently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant.
PruningGarden Cosmos should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. You can also pinch the tops of the plants early in the season to create a more compact, bushier plant. Pruning is best done in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, thrive in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a little sand or perlite encourages healthy growth. Avoid overly rich soil or excessive fertilization, as this can lead to more foliage at the expense of blooms.
RepottingGarden Cosmos, being annual plants, do not typically require repotting. They are sown directly into the garden or started indoors and transplanted once. In pots, simply start with a good-sized container to avoid the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can tolerate a range of atmospheric moisture levels. They perform well in average outdoor conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Garden Cosmos in a sunny spot; water and deadhead regularly.
Outdoor
Plant Garden Cosmos in full sun; water when dry and deadhead spent flowers.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks', commonly known as the Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown into well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Germination occurs within 7-10 days in warm, moist conditions, and seedlings emerge with their first pair of true leaves. The plants enter a rapid vegetative growth phase, developing a solid root system and multiple leaves on fern-like stems. As they mature, the Garden Cosmos start to produce buds that unfold into distinctive pink flowers, attracting a variety of pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds within a capsule that can be collected for future planting or left to self-seed in the garden. The plant completes its life cycle when it dies back after frost in the fall, although in some climates it can act as a perennial, regrowing the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pink Popsocks', commonly known as the Garden Cosmos, is most effectively propagated by seed. The ideal propagation time is in late winter to early spring, aiming to start the seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Sowing seeds in a well-draining soil mix within flats or pots, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil as they need light to germinate properly. They are typically placed under grow lights or in a sunny window, kept at a steady temperature of about 75°F (24°C). Seedlings will emerge usually within 7 to 10 days, and once they have grown big enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots before being hardened off and moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
