Cosmea [Sea Shells Mixed] Cosmos bipinnatus Sea Shells (mixed)
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ABOUT
[Sea Shells] is a half-hardy annual, to 1m tall, with finely-divided, feathery foliage and blooms with fluted petals in a range of colours from white to pink to carmine red surrounding the central yellow eye
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Sea Shell Cosmos, Sea Shells Cosmos, Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster.
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 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 Sea Shells is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The distinct petal shapes and colorful blooms add visual interest to any garden or landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Cosmos bipinnatus Sea Shells can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Fast Growing: This cosmos variety grows relatively quickly, providing flowers and filling garden spaces in a short time.
- Edible Flowers: The blossoms are edible and can be used to add a colorful touch to salads and desserts.
- Extended Blooming Season: It has a long flowering period from midsummer to fall, offering continuous blooms.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Self-seeding: The plant can self-seed, ensuring that once you plant it, it has the potential to return year after year.
- Cut Flower Use: Its long stems and attractive flowers make it ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Wildlife Friendly: Provides habitat and food for wildlife, particularly during its blooming season.
- Non-Invasive: Cosmos bipinnatus Sea Shells are not considered invasive and generally will not displace native plants.
- Companion Planting: Benefits nearby plants by attracting beneficial insects and potentially deterring pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: The unique fluted petals of Cosmos Sea Shells can be pressed and used in dried floral arrangements or crafts for their attractive shapes and colors.
- Photography Subject: Photographers may use Cosmos Sea Shells as a subject for macro photography to capture the intricate details and colors of the petals.
- Garden Companions: They can be planted as companions in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators which help increase the yield of vegetable crops.
- Educational Tool: These flowers can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity.
- Dye Production: The petals of Cosmos Sea Shells can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, giving various shades of pink and orange depending on the mordant used.
- Decorative Mulch: Dried petals and leaves of the Cosmos Sea Shells can be scattered as a decorative mulch around other plants in the garden.
- Event Decor: Fresh or dried flowers can be used for decorating venues for events such as weddings, parties, or conferences with a natural or garden theme.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely recognized as a culinary herb, the petals can occasionally be used for an edible garnish on salads or desserts for a splash of color.
- Bookmarks: Dried petals can be laminated or placed within clear adhesive to create unique botanical bookmarks.
- Personal Stationery: Pressing the flowers onto cards or paper can create personalized stationery or greeting cards.
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: Cosmos, with its balanced and orderly petals, often represents a sense of harmonious balance in life.
- Beauty: The flower's attractive appearance symbolizes the beauty in life and the appreciation of aesthetic pleasure.
- Modesty: Despite its bright and eye-catching flowers, Cosmos maintains a delicate and unassuming presence, symbolizing modesty.
- Peace: With its soft and gentle form, Cosmos is often associated with inner peace and tranquility.
- Love: The flower is sometimes given to convey deep, romantic love or affection for another person.
- Order: The plant's scientific name implies its orderly structure, symbolizing the value of an ordered life and environment.
- Wholeness: The rounded shape of Cosmos blooms can represent completeness or a sense of wholeness.
- Freedom: Cosmos can grow in a variety of conditions, which symbolizes adaptability and freedom.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, prefer soil that is moist but well-drained. Typically, they should be watered once a week with about one to two gallons of water, depending on the weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, water Garden Cosmos twice a week to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Overwatering should be avoided, as these plants are drought-tolerant and too much moisture can lead to root rot. Water at the base of the plant early in the morning to allow foliage time to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal. Planting them in a location where they receive unfiltered sunlight during the majority of the day will lead to the best growth and flowering. Though they can tolerate some partial shade, too much shading can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos are quite tolerant of a range of temperatures but they perform best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F to 90°F. They can handle temperatures as low as 25°F for brief periods, but frost can damage the plant. The optimal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights within the aforementioned temperature range.
PruningPruning, also known as deadheading, encourages Garden Cosmos to produce more flowers. Snip off spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Pruning can be done every two to three weeks during the growing season. The best time for more extensive pruning and shaping is early spring just as new growth starts to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, or Sea Shell Cosmos, thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can optimize growth. Ensure that organic matter is sufficiently mixed to enrich the soil.
RepottingSea Shell Cosmos, commonly grown as annuals, do not typically require repotting. If started in pots, transplant them outdoors after the last frost when they are strong enough.
Humidity & MistingSea Shell Cosmos are not particularly humidity-sensitive and perform well in average ambient moisture levels. They are quite adaptable to various humidity conditions outside of extreme wetness.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant Sea Shell Cosmos in a bright spot with direct light.
Outdoor
Place Sea Shell Cosmos in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus Sea Shells, commonly known as Sea Shells Cosmos, starts its life as a seed, which upon sowing in fertile, well-draining soil and with adequate warmth and moisture, will germinate typically within 7-21 days. The seedling stage follows germination, characterized by the emergence of the plant's first pair of true leaves after the initial sprouting of the cotyledons. The vegetative stage is marked by rapid growth as the plant develops a sturdy stem and multiple leaves, creating the framework for future flowering. During the flowering stage, unique tubular-petaled blossoms in a mix of pink, white, and maroon hues bloom atop long, slender stems, attracting pollinators and adding to the garden's aesthetic from midsummer through fall. After pollination, the plant enters the fruiting stage, wherein it develops seed heads that dry and release seeds for collection or self-sowing. Finally, as an annual, the plant completes its life cycle by dying after the first frost, though it may return the following season through self-sowing if the seeds overwinter successfully.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cosmos, specifically Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sea Shells', is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to plant Cosmos seeds is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, typically in late spring or early summer. Sowing the seeds directly into the garden is preferred because Cosmos plants do not like to be transplanted. To propagate, press the seeds gently into loose soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) and space them 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate airflow and growth. Water the area gently until the seeds have germinated and continue to provide regular moisture until the seedlings are well-established. Cosmos seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days in temperatures around 75°F (24°C), leading to the growth of these delightfully delicate and attractive flowers.
