Cosmos Flower

Cosmos blooms announce the arrival of summers and their wilting, winters. Cosmos plants are herbaceous perennial that can grow between 0.5 to 3 meter tall, depending upon the variety. Although, a very delicate looking flower they can withstand summer heat like none other in their genera.

Cosmos Flower Information

It is a delicate thin-petaled flower that feels really soft when touched, and the colors completely perk its viewers even on a bad day. Cosmos is a popular ornamental plant that is used for borders, edgings or filler. The flower name cosmos is derived from the Greek language, which means a balanced universe.

Scientific Name: The scientific name and the common name of this genus of flowering plant is the same; Cosmos. There are about 20 - 26 species plus numerous hybrids and cultivars of annual and perennial plants in this genus which belongs to the family Asteraceae. They are native to the American meadows and grasslands. They are also known by other names depending upon the species and flower colors borne, such as Mexican aster and Cosmos sulphureus, yellow cosmos, Cosmos atrosanguineus, chocolate cosmos, etc.

The Plant: The plant is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant, and depending upon it variety will grow to 3 - 4 feet tall, bushy or upright. The plants have finely cut, bright to dull green foliage that are simple, pinnate, or bipinnate, and are arranged in opposite pairs on wiry stems. The taller varieties need staking.

Colors: The flower blooms twice a year and only once in each season. Traditionally, cosmos colors have always been shades and hues of yellow and orange, but an array of colors such as pink, white, maroon, pink-red have also been introduced. The flowers can be single petaled or double. The inflorescence are borne with a ring of broad ray florets and a center of disc florets. The flowers start blooming in summers until the first frost sets in.

Meaning: The cosmos is the birth flower of the October month. Derived from the Greek word for harmony, balanced or ordered universe, it represents peace or peaceful insight. This flower also symbolizes love epitomizing joy.

Essence: Its essence is highly revered for its 'bringing order to chaos' concept. It is associated with the throat chakra, and is believed to help those who have trouble expressing thoughts in relation to their feelings. It is also used to provide clarity and integration of ideas, through speech, especially for those who are shy of public speaking.

Tattoo: Cosmos tattoos are very popular among Librans as well as those who wish to express balance using nature symbols. It is common to see the balance scales that represent the Libra zodiac sign to be replaced with a cosmos flower design.

Seeds: The small pine leaf shaped brown colored cosmos seeds are perhaps the easiest seeds to seed. Once the petals fade they fall to the ground, exposing the seed head. Allow the head to completely dry on the plant itself, and pick it.

I am sure after reading this flower's information, you would be wondering how to grow these beautiful flowers. It is quite easy. Directly sow seeds or thin them later (about 8 - 10 inches apart) into moist fertile well draining soil. Cover seeds very lightly. In less than a week, you will have cosmos plant sprouts. Transplant at a four leaf stage and enjoy the blooms.