That perfect pop of pink currently blooming in the beds by the front walk are Cosmos bipinnatus, a garden favorite all across the country. These particular plants are part of the ‘Sonata’ series, a low growing variety that is more compact and floriferous than its tall and sometimes gangly relatives. All Cosmos are wonderful butterfly nectar plants, and these beds filled with cosmos, Salvia farinacea, angelonia, Mexican Sage, and marigolds are a constant draw for butterflies in the area.
C. bipinnatus is native to Mexico and the Southwestern U.S., but it grows well anywhere it can receive full sun and well-drained soil. It’s wonderfully tolerant of many conditions, which is probably why gardeners love it so well.
The color varieties of this species usually range from white to dark pink with all the colors in between. Another species, Cosmos sulphureus, is available in yellow and orange hues, so there are cosmos out there to fit in nearly any garden bed.
The botanical name Cosmos is derived from the Greek kosmos, which means orderly or harmonious. The neatly ordered petals of the flowers are thought to have inspired this name. Bipinnatus indicates that the leaflets of this plant are arranged in opposite pairs.
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