Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta'
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta' is a captivating flower deeply admired for its ornamental beauty. The plant sports a lush green foliage that serves as a perfect backdrop for its stunning flowers. Each leaf is delicately cut, creating a finely-textured, feathery appearance that is both elegant and soft to the touch. The foliage creates a bushy and airy effect that elegantly fills garden spaces without overwhelming the area. The blossoms of 'Rosetta' are its most prominent feature, boasting a romantic blend of colors that range from shades of deep pink to lighter pastel hues. These flowers present a classic cosmos shape: a central disk, often in contrasting yellow or golden tones, surrounded by a halo of symmetrical petals that radiate outward like the rays of the sun. The overall effect of the flower is one of grace and simplicity. 'Rosetta' blooms carry an almost silky texture, and their petals overlap in a harmonious pattern that is both regular and pleasing to the eye. They are perched atop slender, long stems that gently sway with the breeze, giving the plant a sense of movement and liveliness. The visual spectacle of 'Rosetta' makes it a favorite in gardens, where its flowers often attract a buzz of activity from pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its flowers are common choices for cutting and bringing indoors, where they add splashes of natural color and a light, pleasant fragrance to any setting. The combination of 'Rosetta''s delicate foliage and vivid, cheerful flowers makes it a delightful addition to any space seeking to evoke the easy charm of a cottage garden or the refined elegance of a carefully designed floral landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cut-leaf Cosmos
Common names
Bidens formosa, Cosmos bipinnata, Cosmos formosus, Cosmea bipinnata, Cosmea formosa, Coreopsis formosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos, including Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta', is not considered toxic to humans. In general, they are safe to plant in gardens and should not cause harm if touched or accidentally ingested in small quantities. There is no well-documented evidence of Cosmos causing poisoning in humans.
To pets
Cosmos, including Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta', is also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally considered a pet-friendly plant, meaning if your pets happen to nibble on the flowers or leaves, they should not experience any harmful effects. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant since it is not toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for plant pollination and the health of the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its bright pink flowers, the garden cosmos adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes, enhancing the beauty of outdoor spaces.
- Easy to grow: Cosmos are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and require minimal care, making them ideal for novice gardeners.
- Extended blooming: The garden cosmos flowers from midsummer to frost, providing long-lasting visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Cut flower use: The vibrant and long-stemmed blooms of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta' make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and flower arrangements.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, these plants are fairly drought-tolerant, making them suitable for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Wildlife habitat: The garden cosmos provides nectar and habitat for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the garden ecosystem.
- Edible use: The petals of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta' are edible and can be used to add color to salads and desserts, although this is not their primary benefit as a garden plant.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos as natural fabric dye: The flowers of Cosmos can be used to produce a range of natural dyes for fabrics, with colors varying based on the mordant used.
- Educational tool in botany: Due to its easily observable stages of growth, Cosmos is frequently employed by educators to teach students about plant life cycles and pollination.
- Companion planting: Gardeners often plant Cosmos among vegetable crops as it is believed to attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.
- Photography subject: With their striking colors and delicate textures, Cosmos flowers are popular among photographers seeking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Craft projects: Dried Cosmos flowers can be used in a variety of craft projects, such as homemade potpourri or as decorative elements in scrapbooking and paper crafts.
- Floral arrangements: Both fresh and dried Cosmos flowers can add an airy, whimsical touch to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Signature drinks: Edible varieties of Cosmos can be used as a colorful, floral garnish in cocktails and other beverages.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of Cosmos serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at weddings and celebrations.
- Culinary decorations: Edible Cosmos flowers can be used to decorate cakes and other desserts, adding a splash of color and elegance.
- Garden art: Due to their tall and feathery stature, Cosmos flowers can be arranged to create a form of living art within a landscaped garden.
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: The name "Cosmos" is derived from the Greek word for order and harmony. The plant symbolizes the universe's balance due to its evenly spaced petals and radial symmetry.
- Modesty: With its simple yet elegant flowers, Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta' often represents modesty in the language of flowers.
- Love and Admiration: The gentle sway and soft appearance of the Cosmos flowers are commonly associated with deep love and admiration, reflecting the beauty of one's emotions.
- Peace and Serenity: The soft and delicate nature of the Cosmos flower is believed to convey a sense of peace and tranquility, making it a symbol of an inner calm.
- Beauty: The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta', with its rosette-like pink petals, symbolizes beauty in both a literal and philosophical sense, often used to celebrate the aesthetic pleasures of life.
- Freedom and Whimsy: The plant has a free-spirited growth pattern and can thrive in adverse conditions, often representing freedom and whimsy for its ability to grow independently and bring joy.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as the garden Cosmos, prefers even moisture but can tolerate dry conditions once established. Water the plant deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Aim to provide about one gallon of water per plant per week, adjusting for rainfall and hot temperatures which may require more frequent watering. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining. During peak summer heat, check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
LightGarden Cosmos thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform best. Place the plant in a location where it can receive ample sun exposure throughout the day. Partial shade is tolerated but may result in leggier plants and fewer blooms. Avoiding overly shaded areas will encourage more vibrant flowers and healthier foliage.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos are heat-loving plants that prefer temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but perform best when not subjected to frost. Ideal growing conditions for Cosmos include warm days and cooler nights within the specified temperature range.
PruningPrune Garden Cosmos to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Cut the plants back by one-third in midsummer if they become leggy or sparse. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Cosmos prefer well-draining soil with moderate fertility and a pH of 6.0 to 8.5. The best soil mix is one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingCosmos, or Mexican Aster, typically does not require repotting as it is an annual plant. Plant seeds or seedlings each year into fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingCosmos, also known as Mexican Aster, are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and generally do well in average outdoor conditions without the need for special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate temps for Mexican Aster.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with good soil drainage for best Mexican Aster growth.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta', commonly known as Garden Cosmos, starts as a seed which germinates in warm soil with full sunlight exposure, typically in spring after the last frost. Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days, developing true leaves and a root system. The plant goes through a vegetative growth phase, producing ferny, bipinnate leaves on slender stems. Garden Cosmos enters the flowering stage within about 7 weeks, where it produces daisy-like flowers with a ring of ray florets surrounding a central disc, blooming from summer to fall. After pollination, typically by bees and butterflies, the plant sets seeds in the form of achenes, which can be dispersed by wind or manually collected for replanting. At the end of the growing season, Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta' will die back with the onset of frost, completing its annual lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rosetta', commonly known as Cosmos, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Cosmos seeds is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, usually in late spring. To propagate, one would scatter the seeds directly onto a well-drained soil bed and lightly cover them with about 1/8 inch of soil. Water the soil gently and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which usually happens within 7 to 10 days. After the seedlings have grown and the threat of frost has passed, they can be thinned out, leaving 12 to 18 inches (about 30 to 45 centimeters) of space between plants to ensure they have enough room to grow. This direct-sow method is appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness, making it the most popular method of propagating Cosmos.
