Cosmos Bipinnatus
Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos bipinnatus is an airy, graceful annual from Mexico and tropical America, beloved for its delicate, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, magenta, and crimson floating on feathery foliage. It symbolizes order, beauty, harmony, and innocence, and is one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow from seed.
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Summer to autumn frost (July to October); fast from seed, often blooming within 8-10 weeks of sowing
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
The genus name Cosmos comes from the Greek word kosmos, meaning order or the universe, reflecting the neat, symmetrical arrangement of the eight evenly spaced petals that early botanists found so geometrically satisfying. Spanish priests who grew cosmos in their mission gardens in Mexico gave it this name because its perfectly balanced blooms seemed to embody divine order and universal harmony. In the Victorian language of flowers, cosmos represented modesty and the beauty that does not need to announce itself. The plant was introduced to Europe in the late 18th century and rapidly became a cottage garden favorite for its ease of cultivation and profuse, graceful blooming. In Japan, cosmos is known as akizakura or autumn cherry blossom, and entire fields of cosmos are celebrated in autumn festivals in the same spirit as cherry blossom viewing in spring. Its feathery foliage and dancing blooms on slender stems have made it a lasting symbol of carefree natural beauty.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms best in full sun of at least 6 hours; tolerates partial shade but may become leggy
Water
Low to moderate; notably drought tolerant once established; overwatering or overly rich soil produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers
Soil
Poor to moderately fertile, Well-drained, Sandy or loamy, Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0-8.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Direct-sow seeds outdoors after the last frost in a sunny spot; seeds germinate in 7-21 days and resent transplanting
Do not fertilize heavily; rich soil or excess nitrogen produces spectacular foliage but far fewer flowers
Deadhead to prolong blooming, or allow some plants to self-seed for a naturalized colony that returns year after year
Stake taller varieties in exposed positions as the slender stems are susceptible to wind damage
Make successive sowings 3-4 weeks apart from spring to early summer for continuous blooms through autumn
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cottage garden and informal border backgrounds and fillers
- Annual wildflower and meadow plantings
- Cutting gardens for light, airy arrangements
- Naturalized areas where self-seeding is welcome
- Butterfly and pollinator gardens
Traditional Uses
- No significant medicinal uses are documented for Cosmos bipinnatus; the genus is primarily ornamental
- Some studies have explored carotenoid and flavonoid content in cosmos flower extracts for antioxidant properties, but no established medicinal applications exist
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cosmos Bipinnatus
What does the cosmos flower symbolize?
Cosmos flowers symbolize order, harmony, beauty, and wholeness. The name comes from the Greek word for the ordered universe, reflecting the perfect geometric symmetry of the blooms. In floriography, cosmos represents modesty and the simple beauty of nature. In Japan, autumn cosmos fields are celebrated much like spring cherry blossoms.
Are cosmos easy to grow from seed?
Yes, Cosmos bipinnatus is one of the easiest garden flowers to grow from seed. Direct-sow outdoors after the last frost in any sunny spot with poor to average soil. Seeds germinate in 7-21 days and plants begin blooming within 8-10 weeks of sowing. Avoid rich soil and heavy feeding, which reduces flowering.
Do cosmos come back every year?
Cosmos bipinnatus is an annual, so individual plants do not survive winter. However, it self-seeds prolifically and will naturalize readily in gardens, creating a colony that reappears reliably each year if some seed heads are allowed to ripen and fall.
What colors do cosmos flowers come in?
Garden cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) blooms in shades of pink, white, magenta, crimson, lavender, and bicolors. The wild species is predominantly pink, but decades of breeding have produced a wide range including near-red and pure white cultivars. They do not naturally come in orange or yellow, which are exclusive to Cosmos sulphureus.
Do cosmos attract butterflies and bees?
Yes, Cosmos bipinnatus is an outstanding pollinator plant. Its open, accessible flower structure makes nectar and pollen easy to reach for butterflies, bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. It is widely recommended as a key plant in wildlife and pollinator gardens.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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