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.