Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White'
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White', commonly known as white cosmos, is a striking plant characterized by its delicate, daisy-like flowers that offer a bright and pure white hue. Each blossom is quite distinctive, featuring a ring of broad, radiating petals surrounding a central button-like eye, often a subtle shade of yellow. The pure white petals may sometimes exhibit a frilly, almost ruffled texture, adding to the plant's charm and feathery appearance. The foliage is equally elegant, composed of finely divided, ferny leaves that are light to medium green in color, contributing to the plant's airy and graceful demeanor. As the flowers bloom atop slender stems, they create a playful yet classic display swaying gently in the breeze. It is important to note that, in gardens or natural settings, the striking white flowers and fine foliage of the white cosmos make it a popular choice for creating a sense of lightness and height, drawing the eye upwards without explicitly discussing the plant's dimensions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cut-leaf Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as Cosmos, is generally considered a non-toxic plant to humans. If ingested, it should not cause any significant or harmful symptoms. However, as with any plant, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could result in mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. Always practice caution and do not consume plants that are not specifically grown or intended for human consumption.
To pets
Cosmos, specifically Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White', is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant should not cause severe symptoms. However, individual pets may exhibit different sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can occasionally lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the fibrous plant material. If you observe any adverse reaction in your pet after ingesting any part of the Cosmos plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of soil types, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's elegant white blooms add a touch of sophistication and can brighten up any garden space.
- Extended Blooming Season: Cosmos flowers generally have a long flowering period, providing color and interest from early summer until the first frost.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Cut Flowers: The stems are long and strong, making them ideal for cutting and arranging in bouquets.
- Companion Planting: Cosmos are often used in companion planting to help deter pests and enhance the growth of vegetables.
- Wildlife Habitats: The flowers provide nectar and habitat for a variety of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
- Self-Seeding: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White' can self-seed under favorable conditions, offering an effortless way to ensure year-on-year blooms.
- Garden Borders: Their height and form make them perfect for creating borders or adding vertical interest to the garden landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos are often used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and parasitic wasps that prey on pest species, helping maintain a balanced ecosystem in your garden.
- These flowers can be used in cut flower gardens where they provide an extended blooming period for creating fresh bouquets throughout the growing season.
- Cosmos petals are sometimes used in craft projects, like making natural dyes for fabrics, or pressed flower art.
- The plant's height and bushy form make it suitable as a temporary privacy screen or to define the borders of an outdoor space without the permanence of a hedge.
- They can act as a "trap crop" for pests such as aphids, luring them away from more valuable plants and reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Cosmos seeds provide food for birds in the autumn, making them a great addition to wildlife gardens aiming to support local bird populations.
- Its long stems and foliage can be used as greenery in floral arrangements, complementing other flowers without taking the spotlight.
- When used as part of a green manure crop, Cosmos can be chopped and dropped to add organic matter and nutrients back into the soil, enhancing soil fertility.
- Gardeners sometimes plant Cosmos to fill in gaps in perennial borders as they grow quickly and bloom the first year.
- The striking white blooms of 'Psyche White' can be used to create moon gardens—gardens designed to be enjoyed at dusk or by moonlight, where their flowers reflect moonlight and glow in the dark.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe garden cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe garden cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: The name Cosmos comes from the Greek word for order, balance, and harmony, reflecting the plant's evenly spaced petals and orderly growth pattern.
- Peace and Tranquility: The delicate white petals of 'Psyche White' evoke feelings of serenity and calm, often making this flower a symbol of peace.
- Modesty: Given the simple beauty of the flower, it is often associated with humility and modesty.
- Purity and Innocence: The white color of Cosmos 'Psyche White' is typically linked to purity, innocence, and cleanliness, making it a popular choice in wedding bouquets and other ceremonies that emphasize new beginnings.
- Love: In Victorian floriography, cosmos flowers were used to represent love and affection between two people.
- Beauty: The attractiveness of the flower itself has made it a symbol of both inner and outer beauty.
- Wholeness: The complete and harmonious structure of the flower represents a sense of balance and wholeness in one's life.
WaterGarden Cosmos, or Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water per square yard of soil, depending on the weather conditions. During periods of high heat and drought, increased frequency to twice a week may be necessary. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Overhead watering can lead to disease; therefore, it's best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives best in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. Place the plant in a location where it receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day to ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Partial shade is tolerable, but expect fewer blooms and a less sturdy plant.
TemperatureThe Garden Cosmos prefers temperatures between 70°F and 85°F for optimal growth but can survive in temperatures as low as 25°F for short periods. The plant will start to suffer if the temperature consistently dips below this point. High temperatures above 100°F can also stress the plant, but it generally tolerates heat well.
PruningPruning Garden Cosmos encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the tips of young plants to promote branching, and deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the flowering period. The best time to prune is during the active growing season, every few weeks, whenever you notice dead or fading flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, or Garden Cosmos, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with compost and loamy soil; a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for its growth.
RepottingGarden Cosmos is typically grown as an annual and does not usually require repotting as it completes its life cycle in one season.
Humidity & MistingGarden Cosmos is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, ample airflow, and well-draining soil for indoor Garden Cosmos.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, plant in well-draining soil, and give space for airflow.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos 'Psyche White', commonly known as Garden Cosmos, begins its life as a seed, often sown directly into the soil in early spring after the threat of frost has passed. The seed germinates within 7-10 days in warm conditions, producing a small seedling with paired leaves that start photosynthesizing to fuel growth. As the seedling matures, it develops a branching stem and feathery, bipinnate leaves, distinctive to Cosmos bipinnatus. Flower buds appear as the plant reaches maturity, generally after 7-10 weeks, unfolding into large, showy white flowers with a yellow center that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, flowers develop into seed heads, which dry out and release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The plant generally dies back with the first hard frost, having completed its annual life cycle, but may leave behind seeds to germinate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cosmos, specifically Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White', is often propagated by seed. Sowing can be done directly in the ground once the risk of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate zone. For an earlier start, seeds may be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil as they need some light to germinate, kept moist, and usually germinate within 7-10 days at a temperature of around 75°F (24°C). Seedlings are ready to be transplanted after the development of a couple of true leaves, making sure to gently acclimate them to outdoor conditions over several days before planting them out in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
