Yellow Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos'
ABOUT
The Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos', commonly known as garden cosmos or Mexican aster, is characterized by its unique and beautiful flower display. Sporting delicate petals that bloom in a soft yellow hue, this variety contrasts notably with the more common pink or white cosmos. The flowers present a harmonious round shape, with a central disk typically surrounded by a skirt of slender ray florets. This central disk usually appears in slightly darker yellow tones compared to the petals, giving the blossom an eye-catching, two-toned effect. The foliage of this cosmos variety adds to its elegant appearance. The leaves are fine and feathery, resembling lace in their delicate division, with a bright green color that provides a fresh look and complements the light yellow flowers. These finely textured leaves are arranged in an opposite manner along the stems, creating a wispy and airy feel. The overall appearance of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' is one of lightness and grace, bringing a touch of sunshine to any garden setting with its charming, lemony blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' is Cosmos. Cosmos is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting Cosmos, and it is generally regarded as safe. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with Cosmos poisoning in humans, as it is not known to be poisonous.
To pets
The common name for Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' is Cosmos. Cosmos is also not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not listed amongst plants that are commonly known to cause poisoning in domestic animals. Similar to humans, since Cosmos is not toxic, there are no specific symptoms associated with its ingestion by pets. However, it is always advisable to prevent pets from eating plants as individual animals might have different sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: 'Xanthos' Cosmos is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in the pollination of plants in the garden.
- Easy to grow: It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to cultivate, even for novice gardeners, and it thrives in a wide range of soil types.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, this variety of Cosmos is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid garden designs.
- Long blooming period: It produces flowers continuously from early summer until the first frost, providing long-lasting color to the garden.
- Great cut flowers: The blooms of 'Xanthos' Cosmos make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements because of their soft yellow color and delicate texture.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: With its unique pale yellow flowers, it adds a soft, warm tone to the garden palette, complementing a variety of other plants.
- Offers food for wildlife: The seeds of Cosmos plants provide food for birds during the fall and winter months.
- Easy to propagate: Seeds are easily collected from spent blossoms and can be used to propagate new plants for the following season.
- Reseeds itself: In suitable conditions, 'Xanthos' Cosmos can self-sow, making it an ideal choice for naturalistic or wildflower gardens.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some other ornamental plants, Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' generally does not become invasive and is easy to manage in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos', commonly known as Cosmos, can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding shades of yellow to orange depending on the mordant used.
- In companion planting, Cosmos can attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and hoverflies, which are predators of pest insects.
- The tall and sturdy stems of Cosmos can be used as informal support for other, more delicate plants in the garden that may need assistance standing upright.
- As an educational tool, Cosmos can be used in schools or at home to teach children about the life cycle of plants from seed to flower and back to seed.
- Dried Cosmos flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, providing a delicate, sweet fragrance and adding a pop of color to the mixture.
- In art, fresh or dried Cosmos flowers can be used for flower pressing, creating beautiful and natural decorations for cards or bookmarks.
- Cosmos petals can be gently simmered to create a lightly colored and floral-infused syrup for use in culinary applications such as cocktails or desserts.
- Photographers and artists may use the striking appearance of Cosmos flowers as a subject for their work, capturing the bloom's delicate beauty.
- The flowers of Cosmos can be used as biodegradable confetti for weddings and other celebrations, offering a more eco-friendly option compared to synthetic confetti.
- The seeds of Cosmos are easy to harvest and can be used for seed swapping events, encouraging biodiversity and the sharing of garden resources.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: The genus name 'Cosmos' derives from the Greek word for a balanced universe. This plant symbolizes the natural order and harmony present in the cosmos.
- Peace and Tranquility: With its gentle and harmonious appearance, Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' represents peace and soothes the soul, much like its celestial counterpart.
- Beauty: The dainty and colorful flowers of this plant represent beauty in simplicity and the appreciation of aesthetic pleasures.
- Modesty: Despite their bright appearance, the unassuming form of Cosmos flowers can symbolize modesty and unpretentiousness.
- Love: Commonly, flowers often express love, and Cosmos is no exception. With its soft and welcoming bloom, it's often associated with walking in a loving, peaceful garden.
WaterThe Cosmos, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, requires water once the top inch of soil feels dry. Normally, this would be about once a week, but in very hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently. When you do water, do so deeply, using approximately 1 gallon of water per square yard of soil to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. Be careful not to over-water, as Cosmos prefer drier conditions over soggy soil.
LightGarden Cosmos thrives in full sunlight, so it's best to plant it in a location where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant can tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer blooms as a result. An ideal spot would be in an open area, away from larger plants or buildings that could create shade.
TemperatureGarden Cosmos performs best in moderate to warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F. Although Cosmos can handle temperatures as low as 25°F for short periods, freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. During the growing season, maintain temperatures above 50°F for healthy growth and flowering.
PruningGarden Cosmos benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering. Cut the stems just above a leaf or a new bud. Pruning can be done throughout the blooming season, which typically extends from midsummer until the first frost.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe garden cosmos 'Xanthos' thrives in well-draining loamy to sandy soil enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Use a mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part sand or perlite for optimal growth.
RepottingGarden cosmos 'Xanthos' are typically grown as annuals and therefore do not usually require repotting. If started in containers, they may stay in the same pot for their single growing season until they mature and die back.
Humidity & MistingGarden cosmos 'Xanthos' are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can tolerate a wide range. They perform best in moderate conditions and do not require high humidity levels to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate water for indoor cosmos.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil after last frost threat passes.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos', also known as Garden Cosmos or Mexican Aster, begins with seed germination, which usually occurs in late spring when the soil has warmed. After germination, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing true leaves and a sturdy stem. As the plant matures, it forms a bushy structure with feathery foliage and begins to bud. The distinctive yellow flowers bloom in summer to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers produce seed heads, which mature and disperse seeds for the next generation. In temperate regions, the cosmos completes its life cycle with the onset of the first frost, which causes the annual plant to die, though it often self-seeds for the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Cosmos 'Xanthos' is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Cosmos seeds is in the late winter to early spring, aiming to plant them around 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. You can sow the seeds in trays or pots using a light, well-draining seed starting mix. Press the seeds gently into the soil but do not cover them, as Cosmos seeds need light to germinate. Maintain a consistent moisture level without allowing the soil to become soggy, and keep the seeds at a temperature of about 75°F (24°C). Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days. After the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and the threat of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growing space.
