Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cosmos: Plant Care and Growing Guide

Cosmos bipinnatus, Cosmos sulphureus, Cosmos atrosanguineus, Mexican Aster, Garden Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos, Sulfur Cosmos, Chocolate Cosmos


What are Cosmos Flowers?

Cosmos flowers are popular and versatile half-hardy annual or perennial plants known for their showy, daisy-like flowers. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. They have been cultivated for ornamental purposes for centuries and are now grown in many parts of the world as garden plants.

Plant size: Cosmos plants usually range from 1 to 6 feet (30 to 180 cm) tall and about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) wide.

Flower color: The flowers exhibit a broad spectrum of colors, such as pink, white, red, and purple. Additionally, certain cultivars display bi-colored or multi-colored blooms with varying shades on the petals and centers of the flowers.

Blooming season: In general, most cosmos plants will begin blooming in summer and continue to produce blooms through the fall.

Uses: The flowers are a popular choice for garden landscaping and large-scale planting. In addition, they are often used in cut flower arrangements and floral designs.

Symbolism: The flowers are often associated with order, harmony, and peacefulness. They are a popular choice for memorial gardens and other spaces that promote tranquility and reflection.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Cosmos
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Cosmos Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cosmos Guides with Cosmos

happykamill/Shutterstock.  

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Cosmos
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Cosmos Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cosmos Guides with Cosmos

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