Zinnia elegans
youth and old age
A bushy, half-hardy annual, which is a parent of many garden cultivars. It has single daisy-like flowers with purple petals surrounding a black central disk, on which appears a ring of yellow florets. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and are produced on long stems above lance-shaped mid-green foliage, making them useful for both wildlife gardens and for cutting.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Black Purple Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Zinnia can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with branching stems bearing opposite leaves and solitary terminal flower-heads in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico, Central America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in a warm, sunny position
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in spring or, in warm areas, sown in situ in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Bedding
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot and root rot, grey moulds, fungal leaf spot and powdery mildews
Get involved
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