Cosmos, Garden cosmos, Common Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Cosmos bipinnatus is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Roadsides and waste places.
Southern N. America - Mexico.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Native to Mexico. Naturalized in North America, South America, West Indies, Italy, Australia, and Asia.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
Popular as an ornamental plant in temperate climate gardens. Landscape Uses: Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Specimen.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Specimen. Succeeds in a sunny sheltered position in most soils but prefers one that is poor and light. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to bees. There are many named forms selected for their ornamental value. Special Features: North American native, Naturalizing, Wetlands plant, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 5 - 7 days at 20 - 25°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Especially in areas with hot summers, the seed can also be sown in situ in May.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive.
Its other names
Local names
Cosmos, Garden cosmos, Common Cosmos or Mexican aster.