Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange' (Cosmic Series)
ABOUT
Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange' is a vibrant and showy flowering plant that adds a touch of warmth to any garden with its bright orange blooms. The flowers have a distinctive daisy-like shape with a central disc surrounded by ray petals that stretch outward. These petals are a bold and striking orange, creating a stunning visual effect against the greenery of the garden. The leaves of the plant are feathery and finely divided, which gives them a delicate and airy appearance. The foliage provides an excellent contrast to the robust and eye-catching flowers, enhancing the overall texture of the plant's visual display. As part of the Cosmic Series, this variety is noted for its vivid flower color and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, who are drawn to its rich nectar. When in full bloom, the Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange' presents a cheerful and effervescent presence in landscapes, containers, and as cut flowers in arrangements. Its bloom period extends from the middle of the summer season until frost, offering a long-lasting splash of color in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Orange Cosmos, Sulfur Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos.
Common names
Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Cosmos is not generally considered toxic to humans. While Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange' is not known for being poisonous, it is always best to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption, and individual reactions can vary. If someone were to ingest a large quantity, it might cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or vomiting, but such reactions are not widely reported or recognized as common.
To pets
Cosmos is not typically listed among plants that are toxic to pets. There is no widespread documentation of Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange' being poisonous to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. However, as with humans, ingestion of non-food plants by pets should be avoided, and if a pet were to consume a significant amount of the Cosmos plant, it could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset, though such cases are neither common nor well-documented. If any unusual symptoms appear after ingestion, it would be prudent for a pet owner to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow - Cosmos sulphureus is known for its low maintenance requirements and ease of cultivation, making it a great choice for novice gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators - The bright orange flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to promote pollination in your garden.
- Drought tolerant - Once established, this plant has good drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Long blooming period - It produces vibrant, orange flowers throughout the summer and into the fall, offering a long season of visual interest.
- Versatile use - The plant can be used in borders, as a bedding plant, or in containers, making it a flexible choice for various garden designs.
- Fast-growing - Cosmos sulphureus grows quickly from seed, allowing gardeners to enjoy its colorful blooms within a single season.
- Attractive cut flowers - The flowers can be cut and used in bouquets, providing both indoor and outdoor decoration.
- Improves soil - Like other legumes, it can help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil, benefiting other plants in the garden.
- Non-invasive - Unlike some other garden plants, it is not known to be invasive, making it an environmentally friendly option for most gardens.
- Color variety - The Cosmic Series includes other colors in addition to Cosmic Orange, allowing for a mix-and-match approach to garden color themes.
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 dyeing processes, with various parts of the plant producing different shades on fabrics.
- When dried, the flowers of the Cosmos plant can be used in potpourri mixes, contributing a vibrant color and a subtle, pleasant fragrance to the mixture.
- The petals of the Cosmos are sometimes used in art projects, such as floral mosaics or pressed flower arrangements, due to their bright colors and ease of pressing.
- Because of its bright coloration, Cosmos can be planted as a visual guide to outline pathways or borders in a garden.
- The strong and vibrant flowers of the Cosmos can be used to create natural confetti for celebrations, as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic confetti.
- Cosmos can be used as companion plants in vegetable gardens to help attract pollinators, thus improving the pollination of veggies and increasing yield.
- Gardeners may also use Cosmos in rotational planting schemes as the plant is believed to help repel certain pests and can be an integral part of integrated pest management.
- As a natural insect attractant, particularly for beneficial species like ladybugs and lacewings, Cosmos can be used in biological control strategies in gardens and farms.
- The long, straight stems of Cosmos make them suitable for inclusion in homemade wreaths or other decorative floral crafts.
- In educational activities, Cosmos is a good candidate for teaching plant biology and lifecycle as it is easy to grow and exhibits clear stages of development.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Balance and Harmony: The name "cosmos" itself is derived from the Greek word for order, harmony, or the world. This reflects the plant's embodiment of balance in the natural world.
- Beauty: With its vibrant orange blooms, the Cosmic Orange cosmos is often associated with beauty and attractiveness, adding aesthetic value wherever it is planted.
- Modesty: Despite its bright appearance, cosmos plants have a simple, unassuming structure, which has led them to symbolize modesty in some cultures.
- Peace: The delicate and harmonious nature of the flowers can represent peace and tranquility, making them a perfect addition to gardens designed for reflection.
- Order and Unity: Reflecting the universal harmony the cosmos represents, these flowers often symbolize the desire for order in our lives and relationships.
WaterSulfur Cosmos require moderate water. Water the plant thoroughly, using approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil, once a week during dry conditions. However, if there is significant rainfall, you can skip the watering for that week. Always allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and potential root rot. During extremely hot periods, you may need to water more frequently, but be cautious not to overdo it as Sulfur Cosmos is drought-tolerant once established.
LightSulfur Cosmos thrive in full sun conditions, so place them in a spot where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They will perform less optimally in partial shade, as too little light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. The brightest spot in your garden or on your balcony, where the sun's rays are unfiltered throughout the day, will be ideal for these sun-loving plants.
TemperatureSulfur Cosmos are heat-tolerant plants that can survive in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but they prefer the warmer range of 70 to 90 degrees for optimal growth. They will not thrive in cold conditions and should be planted after any danger of frost has passed. Ensure that these plants are grown in conditions that do not consistently fall below the mid-20s, as prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be detrimental.
PruningRegular deadheading of Sulfur Cosmos will encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period. Prune off spent flowers and any damaged or diseased stems throughout the growing season to promote a tidy appearance and healthier plant. The best time for more extensive pruning is in the late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSulfur Cosmos thrive in a well-draining, moderately fertile soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. For best results use a blend of loamy garden soil, peat, compost, and perlite or sand for drainage to create an ideal environment.
RepottingSulfur Cosmos, being annuals, typically do not require repotting. They are sown directly outdoors or started indoors and transplanted once with no need for subsequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingSulfur Cosmos are not particularly humidity-sensitive and do well in average atmospheric conditions, as long as they are planted in a well-draining soil and receive adequate moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in full sun, use well-draining soil, and ensure a warm temperature.
Outdoor
Sow in full sun, well-draining soil after last frost date.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange', commonly known as Cosmic Orange Cosmos, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, well-drained soil after the last frost of spring. Seedlings establish quickly, growing into a bushy plant with fine, feathery leaves. As the plant matures, it develops bright orange, daisy-like flowers on tall stems that are attractive to bees and butterflies throughout the summer and into early fall. After pollination, the flowers produce seed heads that, when fully mature, release their seeds to the soil, completing the reproductive cycle. As an annual, the Cosmic Orange Cosmos completes its entire life cycle within one growing season, dying with the arrival of the first hard frost. The dropped seeds may lie dormant in the soil until conditions are favorable for germination the following spring, giving rise to the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Orange' is commonly known as Cosmic Orange Cosmos and is best propagated through seeds. Seed propagation is a straightforward and popular method, particularly for this annual plant known for its vibrant and attractive orange flowers. To propagate Cosmic Orange Cosmos, sow the seeds directly into the garden after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, as they need temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21-29 degrees Celsius) to germinate effectively. Scatter the seeds lightly over the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil, no more than a quarter of an inch. Keep the area moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which typically takes 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and the risk of frost has passed, thin them out, allowing about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) of space between the plants to ensure they have enough room to grow and thrive. This direct sowing method echoes the plant's natural cycle and often results in vigorous, bloom-laden plants throughout the growing season.
