About

This bushy annual to about 70cm producing sturdy, upright stems topped by solitary, lilac-pink blooms. These may be single, double or crested (scabious-flowered), with a domed centre of small florets surrounded by a frill of broader petals.

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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, 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 usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in a warm, sunny, open 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 grey moulds, powdery mildews and a leaf spot