Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 09:54 pm

The cosmos flower gets its etymological origin from the Greek word “cosmos,” which refers to the universe. Cosmos represents the unity and balance of everything that makes up the universe. 

Native to Mexico, it was discovered by Spanish voyagers in the 16th century and transported to other parts of the world subsequently. It is also found in North America, South America, South Africa, and some parts of Europe and Asia. 

Its genus includes an impressive 40 species of flowers that fall under the umbrella of the cosmos. Cosmos finds its botanical name as Cosmos bipinnatus. It belongs to the family of Asteraceae, and its floral sisters include sunflowers, asters, daisies, and zinnia. They popularly enchant bees, favorable insects, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds in the garden. 

What does the Cosmos flower symbolize?

The cosmos flower abundantly invites positivity and fortune to ward off negative energy. Its etymological roots signify bringing order wherever there is chaos on earth and dispelling discord in favor of harmony. 

Due to its gentle texture, it has become the official flower of the World Kindness Movement founded by Japan. The self-sustainable nature of its seeds also symbolically reminds us to be self-reliant.

The interesting mismatch between its dainty appearance and ambitious height represents the fiercely resilient nature of the cosmos flower to survive even subpar soil conditions. 

The eight-petaled blossom numerically evokes the infinity sign and is considered a flourishing symbol of longevity and prosperous health. 

It is an indisputable token of beauty for its largely ornamental value, and its multi-hued appearance also brings joy to those around it. 

A noteworthy aspect of the cosmos flower is its association with the throat chakra. It is believed to encourage people to express themselves freely and make them excel in the gift of communication.

All in all, the cosmos flower symbolic meanings are:

  • unity
  • symmetry
  • benevolence
  • independence
  • endurance
  • eternity
  • beauty
  • euphoria

Meaning of the Cosmos flower colors

Red color

The red cosmos flower denotes romantic love and passionate feelings. Planting the shades of red cosmos in your garden reinforces your commitment to your partner. The scarlet cosmos represents the exhilaration of true love, and the crimson cosmos signifies the love that doubles with age. The red cosmos is the ultimate symbol of eternal love and twin flames.

Pink color

The pink cosmos flower has close ties with femininity and makes the perfect gift for the various women in your life. It is associated with public displays and physical affirmations of love. Pink cosmos is the ideal companion to a hug given to your mother or a kiss given to your sister. The beauty and grace of the pink cosmos make it the most popular cosmos flower.

Yellow color

The yellow cosmos flower represents happiness, warmth, and radiance. It symbolizes vitality and positivity and reminds us to live life to the fullest. The explosion of yellow color in your garden brings feelings of freedom, friendship, and fun. They make an inspiring and indispensable addition to every bouquet for different occasions.

White color

White is a color often associated with peace, purity, and spirituality. This is true for the white cosmos flower as well. They also signify devotion and faithfulness in romantic relationships. They exude positive feelings towards loved ones on birthdays and anniversaries alike.

Brown color

The brown cosmos flower, also known as the chocolate cosmos, is known for its saccharine fragrance and rich burgundy color. Its earthy tones remind you to value humility and stay connected to Mother Nature while evoking the feeling of security. Brown is a color linked with masculinity, and the brown cosmos makes a great gift for the men in your life.

Orange color

The orange cosmos signifies prosperity, success, zestfulness, redemption, and enjoyment. It is linked to the platonic relationships in your life and can be given to family, friends, and colleagues.

Purple color

The purple cosmos flower stands for strength, enlightenment, royalty, mystery, and long-lasting love. Its multipurpose symbolism makes it a unique gift for first dates and festivals.

Interesting facts about the Cosmos flowers

  • Different names know the cosmos flowers in various parts of the world, such as German aster, pompoms, chocolate cosmos, spider daisies, and ulam raja. It is also called sonata, garden cosmos, bright lights, dazzler, sulfur cosmos, daydream, and so on.
  • The cosmos flower is the birth flower for October and is popularly associated with the sun sign Libra whose symbol is also evocative of the balance the cosmos flower represents.
  • Cosmos is a favorite in butterfly gardens and attracts many butterflies. They are especially sought by monarch butterflies and painted ladies.
  • The cosmos flower also has ancient and sacred geometrical significance as it was thought to be similar to the flower of life, which comprises 19 overlapping circles.
  • Cosmos have excellent medicinal value because of their natural properties to fight viral and bacterial infections. They are also used to treat diabetes and malaria and to quell inflammation.
  • Parts of the cosmos plant are edible in many cultures. East Asian countries consume the stems and leaves of the plants. They form a vital ingredient of salads combined with herbs and are used for medicinal purposes.
  • Its bright, lush colors are extracted to constitute natural dyes in South America.

How to grow Cosmos flowers

Cosmos is one of the easiest flowers to grow and maintain. It can be found in the beginner’s cottage garden, adding an economical pop of colors to the environment and even cultivated by the experts as a stunning addition to their coveted collection. Their hallmark features include 8 delicate petals reminiscent of daisies, tall, lean stems that go up to 6 feet, vibrant hues, and self-scattering seeds.

  1. Plant the cosmos in well-drained soil.
  2. Place the plants in direct sunlight.
  3. Water on a regular basis until the plants are established or if the weather is unusually dry.
  4. The plants do not need fertilizer as they can handle poor soil.

How to care for Cosmos flowers

  1. Water the cosmos regularly, especially if there is a drought.
  2. Feed the plant in pots with a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks throughout the summer.
  3. There is no need to feed the cosmos blooming in the boundaries.
  4. Stake the taller cosmos types.
  5. Deadhead any spent cosmos flowers to continue to flower.
  6. Get rid of dead and faded flowers.

Best time to gift Cosmos flowers

The cosmos flower is an interesting choice meant for an array of occasions. The cosmos flower is relevant for gifting throughout the year. It can be gifted on the birthdays of those born in October and is particularly used to commemorate two years of a relationship. 

Pink cosmos are important for Mother’s Day, red cosmos for your romantic partner, and white cosmos for someone’s passing. Orange cosmos is significant when you’re making amends with someone, yellow cosmos for sending positive vibes, brown cosmos for aromatizing your home, and purple cosmos for a special someone. 

Conclusion

Cosmos blooms perennially but thrives best as a summer flower. It is a multifaceted flower that’s used to adorn gardens and homes in the form of vases and floral arrangements. It can even serve as long-lasting cut flowers in gifting bouquets.

Although cosmos flowers are rarely considered showy blossoms, they have an inherent beauty that fits beautifully with almost any cottage garden or container design.

Choose perennials to enjoy year after year or annuals to change out every season.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!