Zinnia

Zinnias are low maintenance, heat, and drought tolerant and come in a wide variety of colors.  These colorful, popular, warm-season annuals in the daisy family that are very easy to grow. As well as colorful, they have a wide range of sizes with single (single row of petals and a visible center), double blooms (numerous row of petals, the centers are not visible) or semi-double (somewhere in-between, numerous rows of petals with visible centers.), to brighten any garden. In addition to these forms, zinnias come in a variety of shapes which include beehive, button and cactus.  They range in size from 6 inches to 4 feet (1.22 m) tall. Zinnias add color to the garden all season long. The blooms on the different varieties range from dahlia-like to cactus flower or beehive shaped.  Leave on some seed heads for the birds but do some deadheading to encourage more blooms.

Although they are heat and drought tolerant when established, keep them moist while getting established.   Plant in average well-drained garden soil in full sun. Depending on the size, they can be used in the front or the back border, in containers, or massed for season-long color. 

There are multiple varieties or cultivars in the Zinnia family, including the hybrid 'Profusion' Series.  A cross between Zinnia Angustifolia (disease resistance) and Zinnia Elegans (larger flowers) combines the best traits of both including, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, humidity tolerance, and low maintenance.  The strong durable foliage resists insects and repels deer and rabbits.  Single and double-flowered varieties are available.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Susceptible to powdery mildew. Do not crowd them to allow good air circulation.

 VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.