Cosmos
( KOZ - mohs )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering plants includes both perennials and annuals and needs full sun and moderate water. The flowers will attract birds and butterflies to your garden, and are native to the tropical Americas (mainly Mexico). Blooming in summer and fall in a variety of colors and forms, they are great for mass color in border gardens, in the back of other shorter plants, or as filler amongst shrubs. Great as cut flowers in arrangements when cut just after they bloom and placed in cool water.
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Cosmos Species and Varietals
The genus Cosmos is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes just under 40 species. Cosmos grow best in zones 1-24, though this varies somewhat by species. See the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos) This perennial grows from tuberous roots and grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24. Gets to 2.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. In late summer and fall, brownish-red flowers pop and have a strong chocolate or vanilla fragrance. They need well-draining soil and to be mulched in wintertime. These plants are native to Mexico, and are extinct in the wild due to over-poaching. |
Cosmos bipinnatus (Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cosmea)
This half-hardy annual can reach up to 8 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. Flowers have tufted centers of yellow, and outer petals in white, pink, rose, lavender, purple, and crimson. The flowers will attract bees and other beneficial insects to your yard. Varieties are outlined below:
This half-hardy annual can reach up to 8 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. Flowers have tufted centers of yellow, and outer petals in white, pink, rose, lavender, purple, and crimson. The flowers will attract bees and other beneficial insects to your yard. Varieties are outlined below:
Cosmos caudatus (King's Salad, Estrella del Mar, Cambray, Flor de Muerto) This annual plant can produce flowers in white, pink, or purple and are native to Latin America. These plants are considered edible and even palatable, commonly added to salads in their local ranges. Plants reach almost seven feet tall at maturity. |
Cosmos parviflorus (Southwestern Cosmos) These plants are commonly considered to be weeds, and are native to the southwestern United States. Southwestern Cosmos reaches up to 40 inches tall when in bloom, and produces red, pink, or white flowers (flower color will sometimes differ within a given population). Foliage is deeply divided. |
Cosmos sherffii This species of Cosmos is native to Oaxaca, Mexico and reaches 32 inches tall when in bloom. Underground roots of this species are thick and tuberous, making these plants relatively drought-tolerant choices for water-wise gardeners. Blooms are produced singly on thin stems, and foliage is heavily dissected. Flowers are pink with yellow centers. |
Cosmos sulphureus (Yellow Cosmos, Sulfur Cosmos)
This half-hardy annual reaches to 7 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide when in bloom, and has yellow-centered yellow or orange blooms. These plants are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern areas in South America. Can get weedy-looking at the end of the season, and are considered invasive in some regions due to this quality. Consult your local authority before purchasing or installing these flowers. Varieties are outlined below.
This half-hardy annual reaches to 7 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide when in bloom, and has yellow-centered yellow or orange blooms. These plants are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern areas in South America. Can get weedy-looking at the end of the season, and are considered invasive in some regions due to this quality. Consult your local authority before purchasing or installing these flowers. Varieties are outlined below.
Caring for Cosmos
Sow seeds in place in semi-rich soil. They will self-sow freely. Transplants can be set out in spring or summer.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 266, Cosmos
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