About
A bushy, half-hardy annual, which is a parent of many garden cultivars. Daisy-like flowers are produced in summer and can be single, semi-double or double, appearing in a range of colours including white, pink, red, orange and yellow. 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.
About the genus
Zinnia can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with branching stems bearing opposite leaves and solitary terminal flower-heads in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico, Central America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in a warm, sunny position
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in spring or, in warm areas, sown in situ in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to foot and root rot, grey moulds, fungal leaf spot and powdery mildews