Cosmos Flowers: Meaning, Symbolism, and Proper Occasions

Cosmos are beautiful, daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors. The annual flowering plant blooms during summer and through fall, making it the perfect addition to any outdoor garden. In fact, they’re known to attract gorgeous birds, bees, and butterflies to your yard. For this reason — and many other reasons — many people will choose cosmos for their autumn flower. Additionally, cosmos pack powerful symbolism that stems from various cultural and spiritual beliefs. 

With their ability to thrive in both beds and containers, cosmos are hardy flowers and can even survive poor soil conditions. In fact, they can thrive when neglected, and they also look beautiful as cut flowers in a vase for a pop of color in your home. Keep reading to learn more about what cosmos flowers symbolize and some special occasions they’re used for. 

What Is Cosmos?

Cosmos is a genus of annual flowering plants in the sunflower family. They look similar to colorful daisies and grow fern-like foliage. Additionally, the flower holds deep spiritual and cultural symbolism, representing themes like harmony, balance, order, and peace.

Appearance

Cosmos are daisy-like flowers that come in a range of colors, including various shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white. The flower has a yellow center and long, slender stems. Depending on the type of cosmos flowers, they can grow up to 60 inches tall. 

Native Habitat

Cosmos are native to Mexico, but they now grow in various climates around the world. In fact, many people will plant cosmos seeds in their gardens or as potted plants for gorgeous summer and autumn blossoms.

Growing Tips

Cosmos prefer full sun for at least six hours per day. However, other than their need for direct sunlight, they don’t require much else care. In fact, many cosmos thrive in dry soil and don’t need a ton of water. 

Cosmos flowers also love hot temperatures, performing best in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They especially thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11 and flower once during summer and into autumn. 

Can Cosmos Be Grown Outside?

Yes, cosmos can be grown outside if you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11. They will flower during the summer and into autumn — until frost. You can also grow cosmos seeds indoors or purchase a potted cosmos plant to keep inside your home throughout the year. 

Cosmos Meaning and Symbolism

With their vibrant colors and perfectly arranged petals, cosmos flowers represent many different themes — most of which are positive and encouraging. Here are the specific meanings of cosmos flowers and their associated symbolism.

Order

In Greek, the word “kosmos” means “order,” “universe,” or “arrangement.” “The cosmos” is also another name for the universe — or the world and all of its complex order. Additionally, cosmos flowers have neat and balanced petals. As a result, many people associate the flower with the idea of order — even in the most complex systems.

Balance

Known for their healing properties and medicinal uses, many believe cosmos flowers symbolize balance — especially of the body. When our health and wellness are in check, we tend to have a more balanced way of being that allows us to thrive. Cosmos are also balanced in their appearance, most of them featuring eight small petals around a yellow circle center.

Harmony

Cosmos flowers represent harmony among all living beings. Often a representation of the universe, as stated above, it’s believed that the flower brings harmony to its space. It embodies the notion of mutual agreement or understanding among living entities and civilizations. Together, we all live in harmony here on Earth.

Joy

With their bright, vibrant colors and ability to spread their blossoms, cosmos flowers symbolize joy. In fact, the gorgeous plant attracts beloved creatures like bees, birds, and butterflies — all of which carry their own positive symbolisms. It’s hard not to feel a sense of happiness and positivity when admiring the stunning cosmos flowers.

Self-Reliance

Because they don’t require much care, cosmos symbolize self-reliance. They can thrive on their own without someone tending to them constantly. In fact, they barely need any water and simply prefer to bask in the sunlight. This represents our own innate abilities to care for ourselves and get ourselves through difficult times. 

Resilience

Similar to the above notion of self-reliance, cosmos also represent resilience, as they are able to blossom continuously through summer and into autumn (until there’s frost). They can survive even the most difficult conditions, preferring dry soil and even thriving when neglected. Like cosmos, we, too, can find our inner resilience and forge a path forward — even when we feel abandoned. 

Kindness

To strike a balance and cultivate harmony, kindness, and empathy must be present. Cosmos represent the spread of kindness to others, which often leads to peace and joy. Just as the flowers grow and spread throughout a garden, warmth, and generosity spread from person to person, stemming from just one act (or “seed”) of kindness.

Infinity

As noted above, most cosmos have eight petals. The number eight (or its numeral) is associated with infinity, as it looks like the infinity symbol. This reminds us of our infinite possibilities, many of which require resilience and balance. We have the power within us to take advantage of our endless blessings.

Spiritual Significance

Cosmos are highly spiritual in nature. In fact, the word “cosmos” itself is another term for the universe. That being said, many people relate the cosmos flowers to the universe and all of its spiritual glory. 

Cosmos Proper Occasions

Known to foster a sense of tranquility and joy, cosmos flowers make the perfect flowers for various occasions. Here are a few specific ones.

Housewarming

Cosmos make the perfect housewarming gifts, as they are said to bring harmony, peace, and joy into a space. Gifting your loved one a gorgeous bouquet of cosmos or an indoor potted cosmos plant will surely brighten their home. Be sure to pick their favorite color so the vibrant plant can match their aesthetic.

Celebration

Whether it’s a job promotion, a graduation, or even a sports game win, celebrations of any sort deserve the perfect gift. A bouquet of cut cosmos is the ideal celebratory present, as they come in various joyful colors that are sure to keep the energy high. 

October Birthday

Cosmos are the birth flower for the month of October. If your friend or loved one has an October birthday, purchase a bouquet of cosmos to express your gratitude for their presence in your life. Not only will this help them celebrate their special day, but it will also remind them how much you mean to them. Additionally, the flowers will add a pop of autumn colors to ring in the season. 

Pick-Me-Up

Known to represent joy and harmony, cosmos flowers are sure to cheer up loved ones enduring a difficult time. Whether someone is going through a breakup or has been feeling physically under the weather, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a bouquet of gorgeous, colorful cosmos. 

Cosmos Flowers: Bottom Line

Cosmos are herbaceous perennial plants or annual plants featuring gorgeous, vibrant blossoms. Whether you’re looking to decorate your garden with pops of color or searching for the perfect get-well-soon bouquet for your loved one, you can’t go wrong with cosmos flowers.