Kosmeya flowers - the best plants for a novice florist
Many people call the flowers of kosmeya flowers from the "grandmother's garden". Simple buds like chamomile, really have been growing in the vastness of our homeland for a long time. In fact, this culture is not at all ours, native, but came from distant Mexico. The unpretentious character helped the cosme to settle down safely in a foreign land. What are these flowers remarkable for, and how to grow them in your flower bed?
Botanical characteristics of the plant
Kosmeya is a bush with numerous shoots. There is a large number of openwork feathery foliage on them. From a distance, it looks like chamomile leaves. The flowers themselves also have its shape, but the petals of the cosmos are wide. In addition, their tips are serrated, and depressed stripes are visible along the petal.
Flowers are usually formed individually on one, thin and high, peduncle. But some varieties collect several buds in a scutellum.
In nature, about 25 species of cosme are known, differing in the height of the bush and the shape of the inflorescences. As a garden culture, two varieties are most often found:
- Sulfur yellow. A tall shrub up to 1.5 m tall with pubescent thin shoots. The leaves are cut into three lobes, which are pointed at the tips. The buds are medium in size, up to a maximum of 6 cm in diameter. Colored orange or golden yellow.
- Double-feathery or double-feathery. Also a vigorous bush with dense erect branches. The foliage is lush, feathery, divided into two lobes. Inflorescences are large, up to 10 cm in diameter. White, pink and red colors and their shades prevail in color.
Most varieties of the cosmos flower are annuals, although perennials have also been bred by breeders. However, annual species reproduce well by self-seeding. The seeds have a high germination capacity. Once in the soil in the fall, in the spring they sprout together, so there will be no problems with planting.
Kosmeya flower: advantages and features of growing
Lush openwork bushes with bright colors are not at all demanding to care for. Perhaps there are few such plants that could compete with cosmeia in terms of whimsy. This flower is absolutely positive from all sides, namely:
- blooms in any light (both in the sun and in the shade);
- grows well in any soil;
- minimal care;
- does not require pre-growing seedlings;
- flowering is long, up to frost.
Cosmeya flowers respond gratefully to care. By controlling the humidity, and feeding the bushes, if necessary, you can achieve more lush and long-lasting flowering.