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Cosmos bipinnatus

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Cosmos bipinnatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Cosmos
Species:
C. bipinnatus
Binomial name
Cosmos bipinnatus
Cav., 1791
Synonyms[1]
Synonymy
  • Bidens bipinnata Baill. 1882 not L. 1753
  • Bidens formosa (Bonato) Sch.Bip.
  • Bidens lindleyi Sch.Bip.
  • Coreopsis formosa Bonato
  • Coreopsis formosa Bonato ex Pritz.
  • Cosmea tenifolia (Lindl.) Lindl. ex Heynhold
  • Cosmos formosa Bonato
  • Cosmos hybridus Goldring
  • Cosmos spectabilis Carrière
  • Cosmos tenuifolia Lindl.
  • Cosmos tenuifolius Lindl.
  • Georgia bipinnata (Cav.) Spreng.

Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly called the garden cosmos or Mexican aster,[2] is a medium-sized flowering herbaceous plant native to Mexico. The species and its varieties and cultivars are popular as an ornamental plant in temperate climate gardens. It naturalized in scattered locations across North America, South America, the West Indies, Italy, Australia, and Asia, where it is a garden escape (introduced species) and in some habitats becoming a weed.[3][4][5][6][7]

Description

Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos bipinnatus is considered a half-hardy annual, although plants may reappear via self-sowing for several years. The plant height varies from 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m). The cultivated varieties appear in shades of pink and purple as well as white. Its foliage is finely cut into threadlike segments. When flowering, the plant can become top heavy. This problem is alleviated when grown in groups, as the bipinnate leaves interlock, and the colony supports itself.[3]

Varieties

Some of the varieties of Cosmos bipinnatus in cultivation today include:

  • 'Sensation', also known as 'Early Sensation', is a widely available mix of tall varieties
    • 'Sensation Pinkie'[8]agm
  • Sonata series[9]agm
  • 'Versailles', developed for the cut flower trade, are shorter than the species, with heights remaining below three feet
  • 'Daydream' features a pink inner ring on a white background
  • 'Seashells' features quilled petals

(those marked agm have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit).

Cultivation

Growth characteristics of this plant include:

  • Germination takes between 7 and 10 days at the optimal temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 °C); flowering begins between 60 and 90 days after germination
  • It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.5, reflecting its native habitat in the alkaline regions of Central America
  • Flowering is best in full sun, although partial shade is tolerated

Excessive rain can cause cultivation problems, due to the delicate nature of the stems. Heavy rain can cause breakage. Cosmos bipinnatus can tolerate heat as long as adequate moisture is provided, however, it does not handle droughts, strong winds or cold temperatures well. Snails, slugs and aphids have a taste for Cosmos bipinnatus. Successfully cultivated plants can mature 2 to 4 feet x 12 to 18 inches.[10]

Pollinators

The flowers of Cosmos bipinnatus attract birds and butterflies,[10] including the Monarch butterfly. It can be part of butterfly gardening and pollinators-honey bee habitat gardens.[10]

  • Cosmos bipinnatus,typical range of colours in a dense stand
    Cosmos bipinnatus,typical range of colours in a dense stand
  • The leaves of the plant
    The leaves of the plant
  • The flower buds
    The flower buds
  • Detail of florets
    Detail of florets
  • Detail, lateral aspect
    Detail, lateral aspect
  • Seeds of Cosmos bipinnatus
    Seeds of Cosmos bipinnatus
  • A honeybee pollinates a cosmea flower
    A honeybee pollinates a cosmea flower

References

  1. ^ The Plant List, Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.
  2. ^ "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  4. ^ Flora of North America, Cosmos bipinnatus Cavanilles
  5. ^ Flora of China, 秋英 qiu ying, Cosmos bipinnatus Cavanilles
  6. ^ Atlas of Living Australia
  7. ^ Altervista Flora Italiana, Astro messicano, fiederblättriges Schmuckkörbchen, rosenskära, Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.
  8. ^ Royal Horticultural Society Plant Selector Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Pinkie' Royal Horticultural Society Gardening
  9. ^ Royal Horticultural Society Plant Selector Cosmos bipinnatus Sonata Series AGM / Royal Horticultural Society Gardening
  10. ^ a b c Bruce Asakawa; Sharon Asakawa (3 September 2001). California Gardener's Guide. Cool Springs Press. pp. 26–27. ISBN 978-1-930604-47-6. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
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