Cosmos
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- KAHS-mos
- Description
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Cosmos is a genus of about 35 hardy annuals and perennials that are native to North and South America in the daisy family (Asteraceae). The Genus name is from the Greek meaning ordered, referring to the neat arrangement of the flower petals. There are many cultivars available to plant.
These plants will grow 1 to 6 feet tall and prefer well-drained average garden soil in full to partial sun. Many varieties can be started from seed in the spring. Do not overwater or over-fertilize, as this will decrease flower production. Deadheading will encourage further blooms.
The flowers are in various colors depending on the species and consist of ray petals surrounding a center of disc florets. The foliage can be simple to compound with opposite pairs of leaves. Many will bloom throughout the summer into fall.
Several species make good garden plants to add color to the border of a cottage, cutting or butterfly garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Issues affecting these plants include aphids, gray mold, stem canker and powdery mildew. Allowing good airflow will help avoid diseases.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Durham County Extension Master Gardener℠ Demonstration Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Cosmos bipinnatus, Cosmos sulphureus
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Cosmos bipinnatus, Cosmos sulphureus
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cosmos
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South America, North America, Mexico
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts pollinators and butterflies
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Long Bloom Season
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are saucer shaped, and daisy like. There are many colors available. They sit atop the long, slender stems. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom, but leave enough flower heads for self seeding to take place.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Pinnatisect
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Finely cut green leaves in thread-like sections. They can be simple or compound depending onthe species.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Long, slender stems.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Container
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
