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Description
Cosmos Bipinnatus, commonly known as Mexican aster or garden cosmos, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Central and South America and has become a popular garden plant worldwide due to its beauty and ease of cultivation.The plant grows up to 4 feet tall and produces showy flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. It blooms from mid-summer to fall and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. The flowers of Cosmos Bipinnatus are also commonly used in floral arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cosmos |
Appearance
Cosmos Bipinnatus has fern-like foliage that is finely divided and feathery. The leaves are green and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces large, daisy-like flowers that can be single or double and have a diameter of up to 4 inches. The flowers have a yellow center and come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Cosmos Bipinnatus is easy to care for and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Feed the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for best growth and flowering.- Hardiness Zones: Cosmos Bipinnatus is hardy in zones 2 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cosmos Bipinnatus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Here are some tips for preventing and treating these problems:- Spider Mites: Keep the plant well-watered and mist the foliage regularly to prevent spider mites from infesting the plant.- Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids on the plant.- Powdery Mildew: Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew. If the plant is affected, treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Cosmos Bipinnatus is native to Central and South America and can be found growing in meadows, fields, and open woodland areas. It prefers warm temperatures and well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cosmos Bipinnatus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cosmos Bipinnatus can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cosmos Bipinnatus?
A: Feed the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to plant Cosmos Bipinnatus?
A: Plant Cosmos Bipinnatus in the spring after the last frost or in the fall.
Q: How long do the flowers of Cosmos Bipinnatus last?
A: The flowers of Cosmos Bipinnatus can last for several weeks to months, depending on the growing conditions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cosmos Bipinnatus:- Cosmos Sulphureus- Cosmos Atrosanguineus- Cosmos Parviflorus- Cosmos Caudatus- Cosmos Bipinnatus ‘Sonata White’
References
– “Cosmos bipinnatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=250611&isprofile=0&basic=Cosmos– “Cosmos bipinnatus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12809/Cosmos-bipinnatus/Details– “Cosmos bipinnatus.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/cosmos.html
