Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie' (Sensation Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie', commonly known as pink cosmos, is a captivating flowering plant noted for its vibrant coloration and delicate, airy foliage. The plant features a charming display of flowers, each with a ring of soft pink petals surrounding a central yellow disk, creating a daisy-like appearance that is both simple and striking. The petals are broad and slightly overlap, forming a round shape that enhances the plant's overall allure. The leaves of the pink cosmos are finely divided, with a feathery texture that complements the blooms. This fine foliage creates a fern-like background that contrasts beautifully with the bold and substantial blooms resting atop slender, long stems. The flowers are held aloft by these stems, allowing them to dance gracefully in the breeze and adding a sense of movement and delicacy to the plant's structure. Overall, the pink cosmos presents a romantic and whimsical presence in any garden setting, with its splash of pink blooms and lacy green foliage that contribute to the plant's elegant and joyful display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Cosmos Sensation Pinkie
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as cosmos, is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting this plant does not typically result in poisoning or adverse effects. Consequently, ingestion of any part of the cosmos plant is generally thought to be safe, and there are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from this plant.
To pets
Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as cosmos, is also not considered toxic to pets. It is not listed as a poisonous plant, and there should be no toxic effects if pets happen to ingest parts of it. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning related to cosmos ingestion in pets, and it is generally considered safe for animals if they consume it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is well-regarded for its ease of cultivation, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant pink flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, requiring minimal water in comparison to other plants.
- Fasts Growing: Cosmos plants generally grow quickly, providing a rapid and satisfying display in the garden.
- Cutting Gardens: The flowers are excellent for cutting and creating bouquets, where they provide both color and a delicate, feathery texture.
- Long Blooming: They offer a long blooming season, typically from midsummer through fall, ensuring lasting garden interest.
- Self-seeding: The plant often self-seeds, potentially providing new plants for the following season without additional effort or expense.
- Pest Resistant: It's not prone to many pests or diseases, which makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Versatile Use: It's suitable for use in flower beds, borders, cottage gardens, and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of pink hues for fabrics or art projects, depending on the mordant used.
- Pressed cosmos flowers can be used in decorative crafts, such as in the creation of unique bookmarks or in resin jewelry, where their color and shape are preserved.
- As a educational tool for children, cosmos are an excellent plant for teaching about lifecycles, pollination, and plant growth as they are easy to grow and observe.
- Cosmos petals can be used in potpourri mixes for a subtle floral scent and a splash of color when dried with other fragrant botanicals.
- The plant can also serve as a living mulch, as its dense growth can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Cosmos can be used in photography to provide a natural and vibrant backdrop or as a subject in macro photography due to its intricate petal patterns.
- Cosmos flowers are suitable for use in natural confetti, as they are biodegradable, colorful, and add a festive touch to outdoor celebrations.
- In companion planting, cosmos may be planted to attract beneficial insects that can help in the biological control of pests in adjacent vegetable or fruit gardens.
- Cosmos stems can be used in basket-weaving as a decorative element, adding a touch of nature to handcrafted baskets.
- When used in sensory gardens, cosmos can contribute to the visual and tactile experience due to their soft texture and vibrant colors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Cosmos flowers often represent love due to their delicate and attractive blossoms, and the 'Sensation Pinkie' with its soft pink hue intensifies that symbolism.
- Beauty: The 'Sensation Pinkie' is adored for its visual appeal; thus, it symbolizes beauty and the aesthetic pleasure it brings to onlookers.
- Balance: The harmonious arrangement of the Cosmos 'Sensation Pinkie' petals signifies balance and order in life.
- Peace: The gentle and soothing color of the 'Sensation Pinkie' conveys peace and tranquility, making it a symbol of serenity.
- Modesty: Despite its striking appearance, Cosmos is also a symbol of modesty, reflecting the simple elegance of the plant without overwhelming grandeur.
WaterCosmos, commonly known as garden cosmos, requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water thoroughly once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water per plant. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases; instead, water at the base of the plants. During the peak of summer, you may need to water twice a week if conditions are particularly hot and dry. Always check the soil moisture level first; garden cosmos prefers moderately moist soil but does not like to be waterlogged.
LightGarden cosmos thrives best in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for planting is an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, they can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be less abundant.
TemperatureGarden cosmos grows well in a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F, but frost can damage the plant. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F might stress the plant and affect blooming.
PruningGarden cosmos benefits from deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Prune regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, but snipping off dead flowers can be done anytime.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos, also known as 'Cosmos Sensation Pinkie', thrives in loamy, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part sand or perlite will provide the ideal soil structure and nutrition.
RepottingCosmos or 'Cosmos Sensation Pinkie' does not typically require repotting as it is often grown as an annual. If started in pots, plant out into the garden once frost risk has passed.
Humidity & MistingCosmos, commonly known as 'Cosmos Sensation Pinkie', prefers moderate ambient humidity but is tolerant of both low and high humidity levels, adapting well to typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Cosmos Sensation Pinkie' in bright light and pot with drainage.
Outdoor
Plant 'Cosmos Sensation Pinkie' in full sun, fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie', commonly known as Cosmos, begins its life as a seed that, once sown in soil with adequate sunlight and warmth, typically germinates within 7-21 days. After sprouting, the seedling emerges with its first pair of true leaves and continues growing, developing a strong stem and a lacy foliage characteristic to cosmos. The plant then enters the vegetative stage, focusing on leaf and stem growth until it matures and is strong enough to support blossoms. As it enters the flowering stage, typically from midsummer to fall, pink blooms with yellow centers appear, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers fade and seed heads form, containing seeds that will disperse to create new plants. The lifecycle can end with the first hard frost in colder climates as Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie' is an annual, or it may resume from seeds in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The garden cosmos, or more specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie', is commonly propagated through seeds. The ideal time for sowing these seeds is either in early spring or directly after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C). To propagate, one can simply scatter the seeds over loose soil and lightly cover them with about 1/4 inch of soil. Keep the soil moist but not drenched until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once seedlings have sprouted and reached a sufficient size, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their desired location in the garden, ensuring they have full sun exposure and well-draining soil for optimal growth.
