GUIDE TO THECOSMOS FLOWER

If you fancy bringing a sparkle to your summer border, look no further than the wonderful cosmos. Not only are they incredibly easy to grow, but they also fill up your border and are perfect for adding a much-needed splash of colour. With their soft, daisy-like petals and bright green feathery foliage, cosmos flowers are a true joy to have around. And here’s the cherry on top, they make amazing cut flowers.

Want to learn more about these stunning blooms? We’ll cover when they flower, what they symbolise, and the various types you can choose from!

When do cosmos flower?

If you wanted to sum up the cosmos in two words, it would have to be sun lovers. These flowers adore a bit of sunbathing, it makes perfect sense when you discover they originate from sunny Mexico! Head out into the garden as early as May and these blooms are filling our borders, and they’ll keep going until October or until the first autumn frosts appear.

If you fancy getting these looking their best, you’ll need to get planting as soon as the frost and chilly weather have said their goodbyes. If you’re sowing straight into the ground, late spring or around May is your best bet. But if you’re starting them off in seed trays or keeping them in pots on a cosy windowsill or greenhouse, you can get cracking a little earlier like late March or April. From there it’s pretty much around a 12-week wait till they grow and bloom into their fabulous blooms.

Cosmos flower meaning

For a flower that delivers such an impact, it’s unsurprising that it also delivers some big meanings. Did you know that cosmos flowers get their name from the universe? Yep, the true meaning of Cosmos comes from the Greek word ‘Kosmos’ which translates to “beautiful”, “order”, “universe”, and “harmonious”. What a fitting name for such a stunning flower!

Head over to the Victorian Era and this bloom meant joy in love and life. While in Mexican culture, the cosmos holds an even deeper symbolic meaning. They’re seen as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, often used in festivals as symbols of peace and connection.

The meaning behind this bloom is also special for anyone born in October because it is one of the two birth flowers for this month. Just like the cosmos birth flower itself, those born in October are known as symbols of harmony and beauty. Just imagine if you gave a bouquet of cosmos as a birthday bouquet, not only will they be stunning but you’re also delivering them to the whole universe!

Types of cosmos

Now, if you want to find your perfect cosmos you’re in luck because there are around 30 species to choose. They come in stunning colours with gorgeous shades ranging from pink, purple and lilac right through to yellow, red and even white.

The majority of cosmos flowers are annuals which means they only bloom once and then don’t return. However, there are a few like Chocolate Cosmos which is a perennial and should come back year after year. Even better, if you love chocolate then this is the flower for you because this cosmos has deep, velvety red petals and delivers a chocolatey scent.

Within the annuals group, the most popular cosmos in the UK is the Cosmos Bipinnatus. These plants are tall, upright, and bushy, and they come in so many different varieties. For a crisp, clean look why not go for Cupcakes White which has bowl-shaped flowers with either pure white petals or some tinged with a slight pink.

Want something a bit more fun and vibrant? Go for Fizzy Pink. Not only does this flower deliver a real showstopper of colour but it can also grow up to 100cm tall – you could say it loves to be noticed. If you’re looking for something a little smaller to fit into a container, then why not try Sea Shells. The pink petals on this flower roll around a tube to look a bit like sea shells.

To conjure up all the dreamy vibes of summer, why not fill your border with the Daydream variety. The open face of this flower delivers pale pink petals on the outer edges which develop into a deep rose-pink in the centre. Perfect for long afternoons spent daydreaming. On the other hand, if you prefer your flowers to deliver a colourful impact then you might want to look at Bright Lights, Cosmic Yellow and Tango. This group comes from the Sulphureus family and, just like their names suggest, they deliver a joyful display of bright reds, oranges and yellows.

Cosmos and bees

Now you know which cosmos flowers to try in your garden, here is the best bit – they are loved by bees and other important pollinators. It’s all down to the fact that these blooms are packed with nectar and pollen. Plus, thanks to their open, daisy-like blooms, our friends the bees can easily access the resources they need to thrive.

Another advantage of cosmos is their long flowering season, which as we mentioned above lasts from summer through to autumn. This extended bloom period makes them especially valuable to bees and other pollinators, providing them with food when other plants may have finished flowering.

Add a touch of summer sunshine to your vase.