Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red'
ABOUT
Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red', commonly known as sulfur cosmos or orange cosmos, is a vibrant and showy annual flowering plant. The 'Brightness Red' variety, as its name suggests, is characterized by its striking red blossoms. The flowers exhibit a fiery hue ranging from deep, scarlet red to a slightly lighter red, with a hint of orange undertones that give the blooms warmth and depth. Each flower consists of a ring of delicate, broad, and somewhat pointed petals that radiate around a central disc. The central discs are often button-like and can be either dark red or bright yellow, providing a pleasing contrast to the red petals. The plant has an open and airy growth habit, with stems that are slender and sometimes branched. The foliage of the sulfur cosmos 'Brightness Red' is finely textured, with leaves that are feathery and fern-like in appearance, adding to its soft and delicate look. The leaves are usually bright green, providing a crisp background that makes the red flowers stand out even more. Sulfur cosmos 'Brightness Red' is favored in gardens and landscapes for its vibrant color and its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. The blossoms are typically seen in the warmer months, as the plant thrives in sunny conditions. Gardeners highly value it for its easy care and the long-lasting, cheerful display of color it adds to any planting area.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Orange Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos, Sulfur Cosmos, Brightness Red Cosmos
Common names
Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red,' commonly known as Sulfur Cosmos, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting Sulfur Cosmos, and it is generally considered safe when it comes to human interaction. As with any plant, some individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities, so it is still wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any plant material unless it is known to be edible and safe.
To pets
Sulfur Cosmos, the common name for Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red,' is not considered toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence suggesting that ingestion of this plant causes poisoning in pets such as dogs and cats. However, it is always advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as individual animals could experience gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction not commonly recorded. If a pet does ingest Sulfur Cosmos and exhibits unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red' serve as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, thereby enhancing the biodiversity in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This cosmos variety is known for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, even for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates or areas with water restrictions.
- Fast-Growing: Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red' grows quickly, providing a rapid and fulfilling gardening experience with vibrant blooms.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant produces flowers for an extended period of time, often from mid-summer until the first frost, offering prolonged aesthetic appeal.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: The striking red flowers add bold color to any garden, creating an eye-catching display that can complement a wide range of design styles.
- Edible Flowers: While not primarily grown for consumption, the petals of this cosmos variety are edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads, adding a touch of color to dishes.
- Self-Seeding: This plant can self-seed under the right conditions, potentially reducing the need for replanting and ensuring a continuous presence in the garden.
- Versatility: Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red' can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, or as part of a cutting garden due to its versatile nature and attractive form.
- Good for Cutting: The stems are sturdy and the flowers last for a reasonable time when cut, making them a great choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos sulphureus can be used in natural dye production, as some parts of the plant, particularly the petals, can create a range of colors from yellows to oranges when used in fabric dyeing processes.
- The petals of Cosmos sulphureus can also be used in the culinary arts as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of red and a mildly tangy flavor.
- Often planted as a way to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, this plant can contribute to increasing pollination in gardens and agricultural areas.
- Using its striking appearance, Cosmos sulphureus can be integrated into art projects, such as pressing its flowers for decorative purposes or using them in botanical collages.
- As a companion plant, this species can be used in vegetable gardens to help deter pests away from more vulnerable crops.
- Cosmos sulphureus, because of its hearty seed production, can play a role in educational settings for teaching the life cycle of flowering plants.
- They are sometimes used as cut flowers due to their long vase life, which adds a vibrant pop of color to indoor floral arrangements.
- The plant's height and volume make it suitable for creating informal borders or privacy screens in garden settings.
- When dried and crushed, the petals of Cosmos sulphureus can be used in homemade potpourri to provide a natural aroma and color.
- The fast-growing nature of Cosmos sulphureus makes it a suitable choice for children's gardens, as it provides quick results and is easy for them to sow and care for.
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: The bright red color of Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red' is commonly associated with passion and deep love.
- Beauty: Its elegant form and vivid hues symbolize an appreciation for beauty in various cultures.
- Balance: Like other cosmos varieties, it represents order and harmony within the universe.
- Modesty: Despite its striking appearance, the plant's simple petals can be seen as a symbol of modesty and unassuming charm.
- Peace: Cosmos flowers are also known to symbolize peace, denoting tranquility and serenity.
WaterSulfur Cosmos, commonly known as 'Brightness Red', should be watered regularly but be careful not to overwater. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, you may need to water twice a week. Apply approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightSulfur Cosmos thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well. The ideal spot would be an open area with very little shade during the day to maximize sun exposure. Avoid planting it in areas where tall buildings or trees will cast shade on it for extended periods.
TemperatureSulfur Cosmos prefers warm conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering lies between 70 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some temperature fluctuations, but frost can damage or kill the plant.
PruningSulfur Cosmos should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tips of the young plants and deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time for pruning is early in the growing season and thereafter as needed to maintain the shape and health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSulfur Cosmos 'Brightness Red' thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular compost enrichment can enhance its growth, but avoid overly rich soils that might reduce flowering.
RepottingSulfur Cosmos 'Brightness Red' does not typically require repotting as it is an annual plant. It completes its lifecycle within one growing season and is generally reseeded or planted anew each year. Therefore, focus should be on starting with a good soil mix in containers if not sown directly into garden beds.
Humidity & MistingSulfur Cosmos 'Brightness Red' is not particularly sensitive to humidity levels and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. As a garden annual, it is accustomed to outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright light, well-draining soil, and keep moderately warm.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red', commonly known as Orange Cosmos or Sulfur Cosmos, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm soil with plenty of sunlight. The seedling emerges with its first set of true leaves and soon begins to develop a strong root system. As a juvenile, the plant grows rapidly, producing more leaves and stems, until it reaches maturity where it starts to form flower buds. The blossoming stage is marked by the vibrant red flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seed heads, which when mature, release seeds that can cause the plant to spread or be collected for subsequent planting. As an annual, the plant completes its life cycle within one growing season, with the parent plant dying after the seeds are dispersed, relying on the new seeds to continue the species in the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Red', commonly known as Sulfur Cosmos, is by seed. Sow seeds directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed, usually in late spring or early summer, depending on your local climate. To sow, lightly press the seeds into loose, well-drained soil, ensuring that they are spaced a few inches apart to allow for growth. Seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days in temperatures between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius). Water the soil gently but keep it consistently moist until the seeds sprout. Once seedlings develop a set of true leaves, thin them to stand about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to give each plant ample space to flourish. Sulfur Cosmos can readily reseed itself if seed heads are left to mature and disperse, which can provide an effortless propagation for the following season.
