About

A vigorous, bushy annual to about 35cm with lance-shaped leaves and long-stemmed, white, daisy-like flowers with gold centres opening over a long period in summer.

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, Bedding
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Best grown in an open situation to minimise problems with powdery mildew
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