Common Cosmos, Mexican Aster. Cosmos are annuals, grown for their showy flowers. The flowerheads may be bowl– or open cup–shaped and are atop of long stems. Cosmos are easy to grow and make good border or container plants. They make for good decorations in flower arrangements and also attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden.
Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee) (Info)
Genus: Cosmos (KOS-mus) (Info)
Species: bipinnatus (by-pin-NAY-tus) (Info)
Category: Annuals
Height: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm), 36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness: Not Applicable
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color: Pink, Red, White/Near White
Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid Fall
Foliage: Blue-Green, Shiny/Glossy-Textured
Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline), 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information: Non-patented
Propagation Methods: From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting: Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
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