Cosmos, The Sun-Loving Flower
Cosmos, also called Mexican Aster or Xeric Daisy is actually from the sunflower family. Cosmos feature daisy like flowers balancing atop tall, lacy-leaved stems.
They are sought out by butterflies and bees seeking a summer sip of nectar and their balanced spray of petals make for the perfect landing pad.
There’s a lot to like about this sun-loving flower.
Easy to grow, quick to grow
Blooms during the heat of summer
Comes in a variety of colors ( including one referred to as chocolate )
Performs well as a cut flower,
Work well in raised beds, containers or the ground
Some varieties can reach as high as 6 feet, (ugh! I learned this accidently) they can get freakishly tall.
The are sturdy with strong stems so they can hold up against our raging winds and rains of monsoon season at the end of July.
They are naturals for borders, walkway/entryway and as tall background or backsplash for your summer vincas, lantanas and asparagus ferns.
Bonus-There is no need for fertilizer or soil amendment. Actually, too much adjustment would make the flowers frail and the stems droopy.
Cosmos are in high-demand during the summer for Phoenicians so best to grab them and plant them in the late spring. After that, best to watch all gardening ads to find where and when to find them. Or, stock up on seeds after the season is over and save until next year.
Cosmos flowers symbolize order and harmony represented by its orderly arrangement of petals. Cosmos flowers can also represent balance, tranquility, peace, love, modesty, innocence, joy, and beauty.
Obviously, it should be noted that they certainly represent resilience given their ability to thrive in the Phoenix Heat.
With all these above-mentioned wonderful qualities, I definitely want them in my yard.
Below is a lovely poem by Gert Strydom
So much rain fell
that the grass
was like a swamp
and next to the road
suddenly wildflowers bloomed
in colors of white, pink
and crimson-brown.
On long green stems
they grew together
the petals almost
in the shape
of a forget-me-not
but much more spread
at the front edge.
Some kids might take them
to play the I love you game,
but do so in vain.
The smell of cosmos
hangs soft in the air
and there were patches
of colour everywhere.
I picked some with regret
to see the petals fold over
to hide their heads
of yellow and black specks.
Far to brittle to the touch,
still their beauty was too much
and I thought God,
You made nature really great.
