Garden cosmos - Cosmos bipinnatus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Garden cosmos

Also known as: Annual cosmos

Garden cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is a herbaceous annual plant often cultivated as an ornamental in temperate regions. Due to its self-sowing ability, garden cosmos can grow on the same spot for several years, even though it is an annual. Not surprisingly, this quality also made it an invasive species in certain areas of the world.

Scientific classification

Species

Garden cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

61 cm to 2.5 m

Plant Height

40 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 cm to 10 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink, Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Red, White, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Garden cosmos

Distribution of Garden cosmos

Distribution Map

Garden cosmos is native to Mexico. Loved for its beauty as a garden plant, it has been introduced to much of the United States and South America as well as the southern half of Africa, west and central Europe, and many Pacific islands, including Australia. It has escaped cultivation and has naturalized in grassy and disturbed areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Garden cosmos is a classic in gardens and park spaces. With bright, showy blooms that grow tall, it is a popular choice as a flowerbed planting that beautifies and brightens a landscaped area. It is also appreciated for its ability to attract both birds and butterflies. Its flowers pair well with marigolds, zinnias, and dahlias due to their similar size and requirements.

Symbolism

Persistent happiness, order, harmony

Interesting Facts

The garden cosmos represents science. Why? The story goes that it was once chosen to be given to Saint Felix, the dean of the monastic college in Oxford. He made great contributions to the development of Oxford and Oxford University. It can be said that he is the patron saint of knowledge. Another saying about it is that it represents wild beauty and eternal happiness.

Name Story

Garden cosmos: "Cosmos" is from the Greek language, meaning a harmonious and orderly universe. Contrary to "chaos", Cosmos is used to describe how these charming flowers bring colors to gardens, so it is called the garden cosmos.

Mexican aster: Aster comes from latin, meaning "star" because of the shape of its flowers. It is a plant native to Mexico, so it is called Mexican aster.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Garden cosmos, including the following common varieties :

Garden cosmos 'Cupcakes Blush'Garden cosmos 'Sensation Pinkie'Garden cosmos 'Dazzler'Garden cosmos 'Double Click Snow Puff'Garden cosmos 'Cupcakes White'Garden cosmos 'Double Click Bicolor Rose'Garden cosmos 'Sensation Picotee'Garden cosmos 'Rubinato'Garden cosmos 'Cosimo Purple Red'Garden cosmos 'Sonata White'Garden cosmos 'Xanthos'Garden cosmos 'Double Click Cranberries'Garden cosmos 'Rubenza'Garden cosmos 'Purity'

Quickly Identify Garden cosmos

Daisy-like flowers in maroon, pink, lavender, and white colors.

Symmetrical, saucer-shaped blooms with yellow centers.

Narrow, cylindrical-fusiform fruit with distinctive beak and erect awns.

Lacy, deeply cut leaves with a fern-like appearance and fine texture.

Erect, unbranched stem with smooth texture and variable green coloration.

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Care Guide for Garden cosmos

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Garden cosmos thrives in meadows and open scrub, requiring moderate watering that reflects its native rainfall patterns. While it prefers consistent moisture, it tolerates short dry spells. For optimal growth, weekly watering is recommended, enhancing its vibrant blooms as an annual flowering plant.

Fertilize: Fertilizing garden cosmos boosts blooms and vigor. Use high-phosphorus fertilizers monthly, spring to early fall, at 2-4 ounces per square yard to avoid root burn. Adjust frequency during growth and water after fertilization. Balance is crucial; over-fertilization can harm foliage.

Pruning: Garden cosmos is an annual noted for feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. Prune in early spring, deadhead spent blooms, and remove damaged parts to enhance health and bloom duration. Sterilize tools to prevent disease. Consult horticultural resources for detailed techniques.

Propagation: Propagation of garden cosmos occurs in Spring through sowing. Maintain moist soil until germination, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. For optimal growth, ensure full sun exposure and use well-draining soil.

Repotting: Garden cosmos requires excellent drainage when planted in pots to thrive effectively.

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Images of Garden cosmos

Distribution of Garden cosmos

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Garden cosmos

Care Guide for Garden cosmos

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