Garden Cosmos
(Cosmos bipinnatus)
Garden Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
/
/
By Robert H. Wardell no rights reserved
Public Domain
Image By:
By Robert H. Wardell no rights reserved
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: By Robert H. Wardell no rights reserved | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: bobwardell | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as Garden Cosmos, is an annual herb native to meadows, scrub, and open woodlands in Mexico. It is a half-hardy annual that may self-sow and reappear for several years. The plant typically grows to a height of 2–6 ft (0.61–1.83 m), and occasionally up to 9 ft (2.7 m). The foliage is finely divided, giving it a feathery appearance. Cultivated varieties display flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, and are particularly showy with their cup-shaped inflorescences that usually measure 5 to 7 cm in diameter. The flowers consist of a ring of ray florets and a center filled with disc florets, which have yellow, overgrown petals that turn white towards the base and are about 5 to 6 mm long.
Garden Cosmos is valued for its vibrant flowers that attract birds and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens. It is also used for border plantings and as cut flowers due to its long stems and attractive blooms. The plant’s tendency to become top-heavy is mitigated when grown in groups, as the leaves interlock and provide mutual support. Garden Cosmos thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. While it can tolerate heat with adequate moisture, it is vulnerable to heavy rain, which can cause stem breakage, and does not fare well in drought, strong winds, or cold temperatures. It is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Garden Cosmos is valued for its vibrant flowers that attract birds and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens. It is also used for border plantings and as cut flowers due to its long stems and attractive blooms. The plant’s tendency to become top-heavy is mitigated when grown in groups, as the leaves interlock and provide mutual support. Garden Cosmos thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. While it can tolerate heat with adequate moisture, it is vulnerable to heavy rain, which can cause stem breakage, and does not fare well in drought, strong winds, or cold temperatures. It is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Meadows, scrub, and open woodlands in Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cosmos, Mexican-Aster, Annual Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Fiederblättriges Schmuckkörbchen, Schmuckkörbchen, Girasol Morado, Mirasol, Cosmos Bipenné, Rosenskära
Scientific Names: , Cosmos bipinnatus, Bidens bipinnata, Cosmos bipinnatus var. exaristatus, Cosmea bipinnata, Galatella tenuifolia, Cosmos bipinnatus var. bipinnatus, Dahlia zimapani, Bidens lindleyi, Bidens reptans
GBIF Accepted Name: Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.