Cosmos Apollo

Class

Dicotyledonae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Cosmos

Species

bipinnatus

Description

Cosmos is an annual plant for flowerbeds or planters, prized for its flowers, which resemble pastel-coloured daisies in a range of shades from pale pink to purple, as well as white and magenta red. The flowers have a delicate appearance and a bright yellow centre. The leaves are finely divided and light green in colour, giving the plant a graceful appearance.

It prefers full sun but adapts well to partial shade, where it will produce slightly fewer flowers but appear bushier.

It is often used in combinations with other ground-covering, low-growing species such as Euphorbia hypericifolia, Lobularia or the more compact coleus varieties from the Arabesque series.

Curiosities and special features

The uniqueness of the flowers is highlighted by the name of the botanical genus *Cosmos*, which derives from the Greek *cósmos*, meaning ‘ornament’, whilst the specific epithet *bipinnatus* refers to the shape of the leaves, which consist of leaflets that are themselves pinnate.

Origin and distribution

A plant species native to Mexico.

Leaf

The leaves are finely divided, with alanceolate, linear blade.

Leaf colour

plain colour, in perfect chromatic harmony with the colours of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.25 to 0.4 m.

Lifespan

An annual herb.

Where to plant

Recommended for use in flowerbeds and planters, including in mixed plantings with other ornamental species.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, medium-sized, with a dialipetal corolla. The petals have a central eye and are solid in colour. It forms medium-sized head-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 110 and 130 days. It attracts beetles, bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

It is characterised by a rounded growth habit, making it ideal for creating dense, colourful clumps.

Plant habit

The plant has an upright growth habit, which is visually emphasised by the inflorescences.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

For Cosmos bipinnatus, the optimum pH of the substrate or growing medium is between 5.8 and 6.2.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in late spring or early summer, give the soil a light digging, removing any weeds, large stones and debris from previous crops. Work organic or chemical fertiliser evenly into the soil.

To improve drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil, then level it carefully and mark out the planting holes at a suitable spacing.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade, full sun and afternoon sun.

It prefers sunny positions but adapts well to partial shade, where it will produce slightly fewer flowers but appear bushier.

Use

The elegance and delicacy of its blooms give it a prominent role in:
Ornamental use Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy and adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; for use in planters or pots, a substrate for spring-flowering plants, based on peat and perlite, is recommended.

Difficulty

It isfairly easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it all the more practical.

Growing tips

Some growing tips to achieve the best results in terms of vegetative growth and flowering:
Plants will not flower in low light Expose the plant to as much light as possible It prefers a warm, dry climate It can be planted in a flowerbed, even in full sun.

Combinations with other plants

A plant suitable for creating dense clumps on its own or in combination with other ornamental plants, forming carefully composed, uniform and soothing arrangements, determined by a range of factors such as personal taste, the season and the duration of flowering, as well as the final height reached by each individual species.

Recommended for use with Dahlia, Echinacea purpurea, Euphorbia hypericifolia, Lavandula angustifolia, Lobularia, Verbena bonariensis or the more compact coleus varieties from the Arabesque range.

Planting

In a flowerbed, an average density of 14 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure each plant develops properly, thus achieving a proportionate and compact final arrangement with a striking visual effect.

Transplant when minimum temperatures remain above 14–15°C, positioning the seedling so that the root collar is above the soil surface without damaging the roots, and water immediately after planting, taking care not to cause waterlogging.

Pruning

Remove any faded flowers.

Propagation

By direct sowing in the open field in April–May, or in seedbeds in February–March at average temperatures of 18–24°C.

Watering

To encourage proper root development, care for the plant after planting by preventing it from drying out and maintaining a constant level of moisture, whilst at the same time avoiding waterlogging.

Thereafter, allow the growing medium or soil to dry out slightly between one watering and the next.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

When preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser evenly into the soil.

Once the plant has become well-established in its new location, during the spring and summer months, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants to the growing medium or soil, diluting it in the irrigation water, taking care not to exceed the recommended doses or application frequency.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

They should be planted when the minimum temperatures remain above 14–15°C. If planted too early, growth will be slower and there is a risk of some plants dying, particularly if they are over-watered.