Cosmos is native to scrub and meadow areas in Mexico, the southern United States (Arizona, Florida), Central America and northern South America south to Paraguay.

 

They grow quickly to a height of 4-5 feet. Some varieties reach up to six feet by summer's end.

 

Cosmos forms a lacy, open plant with flowers three to four inches in diameter. They are brightly colored single or double flowers include white, pink, orange, yellow, and scarlet. These daisy-look-alikes come in pink, red, white, and lavender with a contrasting yellow center. The leaves are long, with narrow lobes and hairy margins. The foliage looks very attractive, similar to ferns.

 

Cosmos needs only basic care to provide a colorful abundance of blooms all summer long. They prefer full sun to partial shade. They will do well in both average and poor soils. They are tolerant dry soil conditions. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season. Taller plants may require staking. However, this can be avoided if planted in an area protected from the wind. Sow directly into the garden just before the last frost in your area. Space plants 12 inches apart and thin to 18 inches. Cosmos is one of the easiest-to-grow flowers and is generally a pest-free annual.

 

It can be planted at the back of borders and grouped against fences or other places as a covering. Cosmos flowers can be used as cut flowers. The freshly cut cosmos blooms make a bright airy bouquet. An arrangement of cosmos can last for 7 - 10 days. Petals who have just unfolded will open fully once cut Cosmos flowers are suitable for drying. Cosmos attracts birds and butterflies such as Monarch - Danaus plexippus.

 

 

Did you know?

·        Cosmos is a genus of about 20-26 species.

·        The cosmos flower appears as a charge in the arms of Kosmos, South Africa.

·        Cosmos is a self-seeding annual.