About

This bushy half-hardy annual having semi-double green flowers with button-like centres, on which a ring of yellow florets appear. They are produced on stems up to 60cm in height in summer. Good to grow for cutting and in a wildlife garden, where they will attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

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
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

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