Common Cosmos, Mexican Aster 'Candy Stripe'

Cosmosbipinnatus

Family
Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cosmos (KOS-mus)
Species
bipinnatus (by-pin-NAY-tus)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Textured
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Pink
Red
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Blue-Green
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

West Point, Georgia

Chicago, Illinois

Akron, Ohio

Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

Deer Park, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Kalama, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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S
S
(Zone 7b) | May 2006 | positive

Love it, very pretty blooms. But I've found it to generally get to at least 4 ft.

F
(Zone 8a) | July 2005 | positive

It doesn't need staking here! I grow it in full sun, seems to get going better in loose compost rather than thick clay. I have one in a p...Read More

C
Clarksville, TN (Zone 6b) | February 2003 | positive

Easy, lovely plants. NEED STAKING! People would come off the street to see them, thier height and airy foliage makes them quite striking.

Featured
Garden Jumping Spider
(Opisthoncus parcedentatus)
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Featured
Garden Jumping Spider
(Opisthoncus parcedentatus)
White-faced Heron
(Ardea novaehollandiae)