Description of Zinnia Elegans

Size

• Zinnias are annuals that grow from 6 to 36 inches tall, depending on cultivar. The smaller types, intended for edging and containers, are as wide as they are tall. The tall types, more suitable for use in mixed borders or as cutting flowers, are only 1/2 to 2/3 as wide as they are tall. As you'd expect, the smaller plants have small flowers, usually 1 to 2 inches wide, while the tall varieties have larger flowers, as much as 4 or 5 inches across. Check the plant label carefully to ensure that the variety you buy is suitable for your garden.

Flowers

• Depending on the cultivar, zinnias have single, double or semi-double flowers in either solid colors or bi-colors. All types have bright yellow stamens in the center of the flower. Z. elegans' natural flower form is a flat daisy, but it's been hybridized to the point that many different flower forms are available. Cactus-flowered zinnias have petals that twist and roll and turn under so the blooms resemble cactus flowers. Dahlia-flowered types are exactly what they sound like: large and flat flowers that resemble dahlias. Beehives are doubles, with flat petals that stack on top of each other so they look like an old-fashioned, pyramidal beehive. There are also button types and cultivars that still maintain the original daisy shape. Zinnias have flowers in every color except true blue, black and brown. One of the nicest attributes of zinnia flowers is that they draw butterflies and hummingbirds into the garden.

Cultural Needs

• Zinnias need full sun and good air circulation for good growth. Space small, edging-size varieties 6 to 12 inches apart, and larger, middle-of-the-border types 1 to 2 feet apart. Planting zinnias too close together promotes powdery mildew in late summer, their main disease problem. Water them regularly, but do so early in the day so the foliage can dry quickly, which also helps prevent mildew. Feed zinnias regularly throughout the growing season with a flowering plant fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers and these lovely plants will continue to flower until late fall.

Cultivars

• For small zinnias, look for the Profusion series, a 1-foot cross between Z. elegans and Z. angustifolia, which is very mildew-resistant. The Thumbelina series make good edging plants, growing only 6 inches tall. Taller varieties to consider are the 2-foot Envy Double, with yellow-green, doubled flowers, and the Peppermint Stick mix, which has large, doubled flowers mottled with red and pink.