No images found for this plant ID: 11280.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11280" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
garden cosmos
Scientific Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Cosmos bipinnatus: A Garden Favorite
Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as garden cosmos or Mexican aster, is a popular flowering plant adored for its beauty and ease of cultivation.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has a slender stem.
- Cosmos is often found in home gardens.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
- Common Names: Garden cosmos, Mexican aster
- Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Genus: Cosmos
Distribution and Habitat
Native to Mexico, Cosmos bipinnatus has naturalized in the southwestern United States. It's a widely cultivated ornamental plant found in gardens around the world.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- An annual plant typically growing to 2-4 feet tall. Some varieties can reach up to 6 feet.
- Characterized by delicate, ferny foliage and slender stems.
- Flowers are daisy-like in appearance and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.
- Known for profuse blooms.
Ecological Role
Cosmos plants are attractive to bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to gardens supporting pollinators.
Quirky Facts
- The flowers were originally grown by Christian priests in Mexico, who were inspired by the flowers' orderly arrangement.
- One variety, Cosmos 'Sensation', is described as exceedingly girly.
- Although introduced in 1799, Cosmos did not become popular for the garden or as the subject of breeding efforts until the early 1900s.
Cultivation
- Cosmos is easy to grow from seed.
- Cosmos seed needs light to germinate, so sow on the surface.
- Ideal for keen gardeners who have a greenhouse where the plants can be grown on until they are ready for planting out in the garden.
- Chocolate cosmos can grow in loam, sand and chalk.
Further Information
Thompson & Morgan offers a wide range of cosmos seeds. Burpee.com provides information on growing cosmos seeds and plants. Wyevale Garden Centres offers the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sweet Sixteen'.