WSU Clark County Extension
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Cosmos

Scientific name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Taxonomy
Family:Asteraceae
Type:Annuals and Biennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:4 ft
Width:3 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:June to September
Bloom Color:Pink
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description An an ever popular sprawling annual, cosmos bears an abundance of red, pink or white ray and disc flowers all through the summer.

  Morphology:
Cosmos, also known as Mexican aster, is considered a warm weather annual that grows up to 4’ tall and can spread out to 3’. Foliage consists of medium green leaves that are deeply cut into threadlike segments. Single, saucer-shaped, daisy-like flowers are borne from early summer through the last day of fall. Flowers are 2”-4” in diameter and consist of red, pink, or white rays with yellow centers.

  Adaptation:
Cosmos grows well in just about every soil type when given full sun and some water during the dry summer months. Avoid any additional fertilizer as this can delay flowering. Spent flowers can be removed to prolong the bloom. Taller cultivars need to be staked in order to keep the stems erect.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234