Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus
ABOUT
Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as sulfur cosmos or yellow cosmos, is an annual plant that is cherished for its bright and showy flowers. The plant's foliage is fine and feathery, with leaves that are medium green in color and divided into thread-like segments, contributing to an overall ferny texture. This delicate-looking foliage provides a striking contrast to the vibrantly colored flowers. The flowers themselves are daisy-like in form, consisting of a central disc surrounded by ray florets that can be found in fiery shades of yellow, orange, and red. These warm hues give sulfur cosmos its common name, as they are reminiscent of the colors found in a sulferic flame. The center disc of the flowers is often a contrasting burgundy or brown color, adding depth and intrigue to the overall appearance of the bloom. These flowers typically grow in clusters atop slender, branching stems that lend an airy and whimsical look to the plant. Sulfur cosmos blooms profusely under the right conditions, creating a lush and colorful display that can be quite eye-catching in gardens or as cut flowers in arrangements. In summary, sulfur cosmos is characterized by its stunning, sun-kissed floral palette, fern-like foliage, and a charming, attractive display that can brighten any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sulfur Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos, Orange Cosmos
Common names
Bidens sulphurea, Cosmos aurantiacus, Cosmos sulphureus var. atrosanguineus.
ToxicityTo humans
Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as sulfur cosmos, is not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant risk of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant, and it does not typically cause adverse symptoms. However, it is still advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as a general precaution.
To pets
Sulfur cosmos is not known to be toxic to pets. There should be no serious symptoms of poisoning if a pet ingests parts of this plant. While it is generally safe, it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption to avoid any potential stomach upset or unexpected reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - Cosmos sulphureus is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are important for pollination in gardens and ecosystems.
- Easy to grow - It's a low-maintenance plant that can grow in a variety of soil conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant.
- Aesthetic appeal - The vibrant orange, yellow, and red flowers add a splash of color to garden landscapes and can be used in ornamental displays.
- Edible flowers - The petals of Cosmos sulphureus are edible and can be used in salads, as garnishes, or to make colorful culinary decorations.
- Erosion control - The plant can help to prevent soil erosion due to its fibrous root system that holds the soil together.
- Extended blooming season - It has a long flowering season, from mid-summer to frost, providing continuous color and interest in the garden.
- Companion planting - Cosmos sulphureus can be planted alongside other crops to improve garden diversity and can sometimes help deter certain pests.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Cosmos sulphureus may have properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been traditionally used for its antiseptic qualities.
- Diuretic: It is sometimes used for its diuretic effects, promoting the excretion of urine.
- Fever reducer: In traditional medicine, Cosmos sulphureus has been used to help reduce fever.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as orange cosmos, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of warm, sunny colors to fabrics and materials.
- The seeds of Orange Cosmos are often used in bird seed mixtures to attract a variety of birds who enjoy their taste and nutritional value.
- This plant acts as a trap crop for pests such as aphids, drawing them away from more valuable plants in a garden setting.
- Orange Cosmos can serve as a teaching tool in schools for educational projects on plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of plants.
- The petals of Orange Cosmos can add a decorative element to culinary dishes, although they are not widely recognized for their flavor.
- Because of their vibrant color and height, they can be used in landscape design to create visual transitions between garden areas.
- Orange Cosmos is used in companion planting to help deter insect pests from crops like vegetables without using harmful chemicals.
- They can act as a natural soil thermometer; when the flowers open up, it generally indicates warm enough temperatures for sowing tender plants.
- These flowers can be used in the art of pressed flower crafts, maintaining their color well and adding brightness to the artwork.
- Orange Cosmos petals are sometimes used in homemade potpourri mixtures for their color, contributing to the visual appeal rather than scent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cosmos is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cosmos is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Order and Harmony: Drawing from its name, which is derived from the Greek word for a harmonious and well-ordered universe, Cosmos sulphureus symbolizes the idea of order and harmony in life.
- Beauty: With its elegant, vibrant-coloured flowers, this plant represents the simple, understated beauty that can be found in nature and life.
- Balance: The radial symmetry of its flowers suggests the theme of balance, reflecting nature's inherent equilibrium.
- Modesty: Despite its showy flowers, Cosmos sulphureus is an easygoing plant that doesn't require a lot of care and thus symbolizes modesty.
- Wholeness: The round shape of the blooms is often associated with wholeness and completeness, which can be a metaphor for personal fulfillment.
- Peace: The plant's gentle sway in the breeze conveys a sense of peace and serenity, often used in gardens to create a tranquil space.
- Love: Because of its tender appearance and the romantic connotations of flowers in general, Cosmos sulphureus can also signify love or a deep affection for someone.
WaterCosmos, also known as Sulphur Cosmos or Yellow Cosmos, should be watered thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep rooting. These plants prefer soil that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, water them once a week with about one gallon of water per square yard if there has been no significant rainfall. In hotter, drier climates, they might need watering twice a week. Always adjust to your specific environmental conditions and check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.
LightFor Sulphur Cosmos, provide full sun for optimal growth and flowering. These plants thrive in a location where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some light shade but prefer a sunny spot for best performance.
TemperatureSulphur Cosmos are heat-loving plants that perform best in temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure higher temperatures without significant stress and are somewhat cold-resistant, handling temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for prolonged flowering and health, keep them within their ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning Sulphur Cosmos is mainly done to maintain plant shape and encourage continuous blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, promotes further flowering. Lightly pruning the plant every few weeks can also maintain bushiness and vigor. The best time to prune is in the late summer or as needed when the flowers begin to fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCosmos sulphureus, commonly known as Sulfur Cosmos, prefers moderately fertile, well-draining soil. A good mixture would consist of two parts garden soil, one part peat or coco coir, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Sulfur Cosmos thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, favoring slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
RepottingSulfur Cosmos are typically grown as annuals and do not usually require repotting. If started indoors, transplant them into the garden after the risk of frost has passed. They develop a long taproot and are best not disturbed once established in the garden.
Humidity & MistingSulfur Cosmos are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in a wide range of humidity levels typical of outdoor environments. They are tolerant of both dry and humid conditions, making them versatile for different climates without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, use a well-draining soil mix, and place in a bright spot.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil, and space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos sulphureus, commonly known as the Sulfur Cosmos or Yellow Cosmos, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing a root system and shoots with initial leaves, and with ample sunlight and warmth, it enters a rapid vegetative growth phase. The plant matures to form a bushy structure with finely divided leaves, and by mid-summer, it starts producing solitary, daisy-like flower heads on long stems, exhibiting vibrant yellow or orange hues. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies attracted to its nectar and pollen, the flowers produce seed heads containing multiple seeds, which mature as the plant begins to senesce in the autumn. As temperatures drop and the growing season ends, the Sulfur Cosmos completes its annual cycle by dying, but the seeds fall to the ground or are collected for propagation, ensuring the continuation of the species. In appropriate climates, the seeds may overwinter, germinating the following spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as sulfur cosmos or yellow cosmos, is through seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost when the soil has warmed, usually in late spring or early summer. Sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep (approximately 3 millimeters) and lightly cover them with soil. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 21 days. After seedlings have emerged and reached a suitable size, thin them to stand 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growing space. Sulfur cosmos thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it's quite drought tolerant and will flourish with minimal care, providing a long-lasting display of vibrant flowers throughout the growing season.
