Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus 'Tango'
ABOUT
The Cosmos sulphureus 'Tango' is a vibrant and showy flower notable for its dazzling shades of bright orange that give it a warm, summery feel. The plant carries daisy-like blossoms, with each flower comprising a ring of rounded petals that radiate elegantly around a central button-like eye. The petals have a slight overlap and a gentle wave to their edges that imparts a soft, ruffled appearance, enhancing their visual appeal. The petals harbor a fiery hue that ranges from a deep, sunkissed orange to a lighter, citrus-infused tone, depending on the light and stage of the bloom. These vivid flowers emerge atop slender, yet sturdy stems that are green and sometimes show tinges of red. The stems branch out, creating a loosely bushy form. The foliage of the 'Tango' describes a delicate feather-like aspect, with leaves that are narrow, elongated, and deeply dissected, giving them an almost ferny appearance. These leaves adorn the plant in a brilliant green, creating a striking color contrast with the bold orange flowers. The overall impression of the Cosmos sulphureus 'Tango' is that of a casual, yet eye-catching bloom that evokes thoughts of tropical sunsets and bright summer fields. It showcases a joyous demeanor, making it an excellent choice for a garden that desires a pop of color and carefree beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Orange Cosmos, Sulfur Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos.
Common names
Bidens sulphurea, Coreopsis sulphurea, Cosmos aurantiacus, Cosmos schrankii.
ToxicityTo humans
The Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as sulfur cosmos, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or harmful effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individuals may have allergic reactions or experience stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. It is always advised to exercise caution and prevent ingestion of plants that are not confirmed to be edible.
To pets
Sulfur cosmos is not known to be toxic to pets. There is no widespread documentation of adverse effects from animals ingesting this plant. Nevertheless, it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some cases. If a pet does consume sulfur cosmos and exhibits symptoms of distress, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators – Cosmos sulphureus 'Tango' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are essential for pollination.
- Easy to grow – It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and requires minimal care.
- Erosion control – Its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Drought tolerance – Cosmos sulphureus 'Tango' is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Vibrant color – It adds a vivid splash of orange to gardens and landscapes, enhancing the visual appeal.
- Fast-growing – The plant grows quickly, providing a rapid display of flowers.
- Edible parts – Some parts of the flower are edible and can be used in salads or as garnishes, contributing to a diverse diet.
- Companion planting – Can be used in companion planting to deter pests and diseases from more vulnerable plants.
- Self-seeding – It often self-seeds, reducing the need for replanting each season.
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 'Tango', commonly known as Sulfur Cosmos, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of warm, yellow to orange hues to fabrics and yarns.
- The vibrant petals of the Sulfur Cosmos can be pressed and used in art projects for decoration or to create botanical prints on paper.
- Sulfur Cosmos can serve as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, thus improving the pollination of crops.
- These flowers can be used in sensory gardens because their bright colors are attractive and engaging to sight, improving the visual experience.
- The dried petals of the Sulfur Cosmos can be used to make potpourri, combining their color with other fragrant plants to create a natural air freshener.
- Sulfur Cosmos can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and the lifecycle of flowers.
- Farmers can use Sulfur Cosmos as a trap crop, planting it to attract pests away from more valuable crops.
- When included in floral arrangements, Sulfur Cosmos can add a splash of color and a touch of wildflower charm to bouquets or table centerpieces.
- Photographers can utilize Sulfur Cosmos as a picturesque backdrop or focus for nature photography due to their striking color and form.
- Sulfur Cosmos seeds can be given as eco-friendly gifts or wedding favors, symbolizing growth and prosperity for the recipients.
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 and Devotion: Cosmos are often associated with the concept of love due to their beautifully arranged petals that resemble the harmonious order of the universe.
- Harmony and Balance: The symmetrical form of Cosmos flowers is symbolic of the balance in nature and how different elements come together to create a harmonized whole.
- Beauty: With its vibrant orange hues, the 'Tango' variety of Cosmos sulphureus embodies the beauty of nature, adding a striking visual appeal wherever it grows.
- Modesty: Despite their bold color, Cosmos flowers have a simple and unassuming shape, symbolizing modesty and an unpretentious character.
- Peace: The ease with which Cosmos flowers sway in the breeze represents a state of inner peace and the ability to go with the flow of life.
- Order and Structure: The evenly spaced and radial pattern of Cosmos petals reflect an orderly universe, making them a symbol of a well-planned life.
WaterSulfur Cosmos should be watered moderately, aiming for the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, water the plants at least once a week, providing approximately one inch of water each time. In cooler or rainy conditions, watering can be reduced to every other week or less frequently, depending on rainfall. It's important not to overwater, as Sulfur Cosmos is relatively drought-tolerant and can suffer from root rot if the soil remains too wet. When watering, try to apply the water directly to the soil rather than splashing the foliage, to avoid leaf diseases.
LightSulfur Cosmos thrives in full sun positions where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is an open area with unobstructed access to sunlight throughout the day. These plants can tolerate a bit of partial shade but will produce the best blooms and strongest growth when planted in a location with ample sunlight.
TemperatureSulfur Cosmos prefers warm conditions and can tolerate high temperatures up to around 100°F, but it will start to suffer if temperatures fall below 25°F. The ideal temperature range for Sulfur Cosmos is between 70°F and 85°F, which promotes optimal growth and flowering. These plants are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold weather or planted after the last expected frost in spring.
PruningDeadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, encourages Sulfur Cosmos to produce more blooms and prevents the plant from self-seeding extensively. Light pruning can be done throughout the blooming season to maintain the plant's shape and remove any damaged or diseased stems. The best time for more significant pruning or cutting back would be in late fall or early spring, before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTango, commonly known as Sulfur Cosmos, thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A recommended soil mix could include two parts garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular addition of organic compost or a balanced fertilizer can keep the soil fertile and conducive to its vibrant growth.
RepottingSulfur Cosmos, typically grown as an annual, does not usually require repotting. If started in containers, ensure they are large enough to accommodate a full season's growth. In regions where it's treated as a perennial, repotting every 2-3 years in the spring may be beneficial to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingSulfur Cosmos is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but performs best in moderate conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it well-suited to outdoor gardening where it can adapt to the natural humidity of its environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sulfur Cosmos in bright light and rotate pot for even growth.
Outdoor
Plant Sulfur Cosmos in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleCosmos Tango, a flowering annual plant, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, seedlings emerge and enter the vegetative stage, characterized by the rapid growth of leaves and stems. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in the mid-summer, when it produces vibrant orange blossoms that attract various pollinators. Following pollination, the cosmos plant produces fruit in the form of achenes, which contain seeds that mature as the flowers fade. The mature seeds are then dispersed by wind, gravity, or wildlife, allowing for new plants to germinate and begin the life cycle anew in subsequent growing seasons. Cosmos Tango completes its life cycle within one growing season and dies with the first frosts of fall or winter, making it necessary to replant the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Cosmos sulphureus 'Tango', commonly known as Sulphur Cosmos, is through seed. Sowing should be done in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (about 15°C). For an earlier start, gardeners can sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. To sow, simply scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of a well-drained soil mix in seed trays or pots. Press the seeds gently into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and after the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into the garden or containers, spaced approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
