Close-up view of a single flower of a white Mexican aster "Sonata White"

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Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly called the garden cosmos or Mexican aster, is a medium-sized flowering herbaceous plant native to Mexico. The species and its varieties and cultivars are popular as an ornamental plant in temperate climate gardens. It can also be found in natural areas in much of North America, where it is a garden escape (introduced species) and in some habitats becoming a weed. Cosmos bipinnatus is considered a half-hardy annual, although plants may reappear via self-sowing for several years. The plant height varies from 2–4 ft (– m). The cultivated varieties appear in shades of pink and purple as well as white. Its foliage is finely cut into threadlike segments. When flowering, the plant can become top heavy. This problem is alleviated when grown in groups, as the bipinnate leaves interlock, and the colony supports itself.

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Size: 4573px × 3696px
Location: The Secret Gardens of Sandwich, The Salutation, Knightrider Street, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9EW
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: -hardy, annual, aster, bipinnatus, close-, cosmos, flower, garden, herbaceous, mexican, plant, single, sonata, stamen, white, yellow