Cosmos sulphureus
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| Cosmos sulphureus |
Cosmos sulphureus is also known as Sulfur Cosmos and Yellow Cosmos. Its native habitat is Central America.
This species of Cosmos is considered a half-hardy annual, although plants may re-appear via self-sowing for several years. Its foliage is opposite and pinnately divided. The plant height varies from one to seven feet. The original and its cultivars appear in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is especially popular in Korea and Japan, where it is often seen in mass plantings along roadsides (see Woo Jang-choon).
This plant was declared invasive by the United States Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council in 1996 [1].
Some of the varieties of Cosmos sulphureus in cultivation today include:
- 'Klondyke Mix' consists of a variety of colors in shades from yellow to orange and scarlet
- 'Ladybird Dwarf Red', 'Ladybird Dwarf Gold', 'Ladybird Dwarf Orange', and 'Ladybird Dwarf Lemon' are shorter than the species
Growth characteristics of this plant include:
- Germination takes between 7 and 21 days at the optimal temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit; flowering begins between 50 and 60 days after germination
- It prefers a soil PH between 6.0 and 8.5, reflecting its native habitat in the alkaline regions of Central America
- Flowering is best in full sun, although partial shade is tolerated
- The plant is tolerant to drought after germination, and is seldom subject to insect or disease damage; this vigor is attested by its status as a pest in some areas of the United States
The flowers of all Cosmos attract birds and butterflies, including the Monarch butterfly. Cosmos sulphureus is featured in the 1998 Korean film Remembering The Cosmos Flower.
