Redstar zinnia Zinnia peruviana
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Crassina multiflora
- Zinnia multiflora
- Zinnia pauciflora
- Phonetic Spelling
- ZIN-ya per-u-vee-AN-uh
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
-
Field zinnia is a fast-growing, quick blooming tropical species and southwestern US native annual in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that has been classified as a weed. It is often grown in gardens, where its self-seeding nature allows it to be propagated by the wind. It grows along roadsides, in disturbed locations, wastelands, and pastures.
Plant it in full sun as shady locations will cause diminished flowing. Water regularly, however, do not overwater. These plants have a short taproot.
Plants are not typically commercially available at garden centers as a choice for your home garden. Seeds are available for purchase. They can also be collected from plants. Allow the seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting.
The stems are mostly unbranched, rough and have fine coarse hairs.
Makes an excellent choice for xeriscaping, pollinator and conservation gardens.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and thrips are occasional issues.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Andes Jewel'
Grows well in cooler climates.
- 'Andes Jewel'
- 'Andes Jewel'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Andes Jewel'
Grows well in cooler climates.
- 'Andes Jewel'
- 'Andes Jewel'
- Tags:
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-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Zinnia
- Species:
- peruviana
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southwestern U.S.A., Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina
- Distribution:
- AZ, FL, FA, NC, SC
- Wildlife Value:
- Its blooms are frequented by Danaus glippus (Queen), Heliconius charithonia Linnaeus (Zebra Longwing), and Leptophobia aripa butterflies.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herb
- Weed
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9a, 9b, 10b, 10a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Dark reddish-orange flowers The flowers are typically single on the solitary erect, purple-green stem, each flower having 6-15 ray florets and 12-50 disc florets.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves have 3-5 veins.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- Typically unbranched, rough and having fine, coarse hairs.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cutting Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Problems:
- Invasive Species
