Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet' (Benary's Giant Series)
ABOUT
The Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet' is a vibrant and eye-catching flower renowned for its bold, striking color. This particular plant produces lush, large blooms with a rich, scarlet hue that makes a grand statement in any garden or floral arrangement. Each flower consists of multiple layers of petals that lend a lavish, almost pompous look to the bloom. The petals are velvety and dense, arranged neatly around a central eye that often takes on a complementary color, adding depth and complexity to the flower's appearance. These plants have a classic zinnia shape, with the blooms set atop sturdy stems that are surrounded by lance-shaped leaves. The foliage is typically a bright green, which further accentuates the red tones of the flowers. The leaves are slightly rough to the touch, with a pointed tip and a well-defined structure that balances the overall aesthetics of the plant. The striking scarlet blossoms of the 'Benary's Giant Scarlet' make it a favorite for cutting gardens, as it not only adds a splash of color but also holds up well in vases and floral displays. Its vivid color and overall appearance evoke a sense of cheerfulness and warmth, making it a popular choice for both landscapers and home gardeners.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Common Zinnia, Youth-And-Old-Age, Elegant Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant risk of poisoning associated with ingesting this flower, and it is often grown in gardens and used in floral arrangements without concern for human health. However, individuals with sensitive skin may experience dermatitis or other allergic reactions when handling the plant.
To pets
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It is generally regarded as safe for pet owners to grow in their gardens, and ingestion typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health issues. However, it's always good practice to discourage pets from eating plants as individual animals might have idiosyncratic reactions or allergies.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Scarlet
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet' adds vibrant red color and visual interest to gardens with its large, eye-catching blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: This zinnia lures butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low-maintenance, it can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: It offers a prolonged display of flowers from early summer to the first frost, enhancing garden color for months.
- Excellent Cut Flowers: With sturdy stems and a long vase life, they make great fresh bouquets and arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ideal for Borders and Beds: Their structured growth habit makes them perfect for creating defined edges and full flower beds.
- Versatile Planting Options: Suitable for containers, hanging baskets, and mass plantings, offering diverse landscaping possibilities.
- Rapid Growth: It grows quickly from seed to flower, allowing for a swift and gratifying gardening experience.
- Resistant to Deer: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Supplies: The brightly colored petals of Zinnias can be used in art projects, such as natural dyes for fabrics or in the creation of eco-friendly confetti.
- Tattoo Ink Ingredient: Dried and powdered Zinnia petals can be mixed into tattoo ink formulations to create unique shades of color.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible Zinnia flowers can be used as an attractive garnish on cakes, desserts, or in cocktails for a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
- Photography Subjects: Zinnias, with their vivid colors and large flowers, make excellent subjects for macro photography and floral portraits.
- Teaching Tools: Educators can use Zinnias in lessons about plant biology, pollination, and life cycles due to their easy-growing nature and attractivity to pollinators.
- Floral Wreaths: Dried Zinnia flowers can be incorporated into floral wreaths and other home decor crafts due to their long-lasting color retention.
- Event Decorations: Fresh or dried Zinnias can be used to create centerpieces, bouquets, or other decorative elements for events like weddings or parties.
- Natural Fabric Prints: Pressed Zinnia flowers can be used to create patterns on fabric through a technique known as nature printing, which transfers the flower's impression onto the cloth.
- Seed Crafts: Zinnia seeds, which have distinct shapes and sizes, can be used in various seed art projects or as an addition to homemade rattles or musical instruments for a soft, natural sound.
- Color Therapy: The bright and diverse range of Zinnia colors can be employed in color therapy practices to create a visually stimulating and mood-lifting environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not traditionally associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnia flowers, in general, symbolize remembrance. This is fitting as the Benary's Giant Scarlet is a plant that can impress with its bold, vivid color, making it memorable in any garden.
- Enduring Friendship: These vibrant flowers are often given to friends as a symbol of lasting affection and friendship.
- Absence: Historically, zinnias have been used to represent thoughts of absent friends, so giving a Zinnia can imply that one is missed.
- Constancy: The zinnia, with its long-lasting flowers, is also a symbol of constancy, showing steadfastness and fidelity.
- Daily Remembrance: Due to its association with remembrance, the zinnia can symbolize a daily remembrance of good times, making it a positive and uplifting symbol.
WaterCommonly known as Zinnia, Benary's Giant Scarlet should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings. In hotter, drier weeks, increase watering to twice per week, ensuring each plant receives approximately 1 gallon of water. The watering method should soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches to encourage deep root growth and prevent stagnant water on the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During cooler or rainy periods, reduce the amount of water to avoid soggy soil and root rot.
LightZinnias thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Zinnia is in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight during the majority of the day. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to spindly growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureZinnias prefer warm conditions and thrive in temperatures between 74°F and 84°F. These plants can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F and maximum temperatures up to about 104°F. It's crucial to protect Zinnias from frosts, as they are sensitive to cold and cannot survive freezing conditions.
PruningPruning Zinnias, commonly referred to as deadheading, encourages more blooms and prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production. Snip off the spent flowers regularly, or at least every couple of weeks. The best time for this is when the flower begins to fade and before the seeds start to form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnia prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The best soil mix for Zinnias includes compost, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration, vital for healthy growth and blooming.
RepottingZinnia, commonly known as 'Benary's Giant Scarlet', does not typically require repotting as it is an annual plant. It is generally sown directly into the garden or started in seed trays and transplanted once.
Humidity & MistingZinnias are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average humidity levels. They prefer a drier climate rather than very humid conditions, hence moderate humidity is best for 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, regular watering, and good air circulation for healthy growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, use well-draining soil, and space adequately for air flow.
Hardiness zone
Not applicable; Zinnias are annuals and not rated for USDA hardiness.
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet', commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown into warm soil and provided with adequate sunlight and water, germinates within 5 to 24 days. Upon germination, seedlings emerge with their first set of true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where they undergo rapid growth. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and a bushy formation of lance-shaped leaves. Transitioning into the flowering stage, Zinnia produces vibrant, large, and showy scarlet blooms that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seeds within the center of the spent flower heads, which can be collected for replanting or left to self-sow. Zinnia eventually reaches the end of its annual life cycle and dies with the onset of frost, completing its reproductive cycle and leaving seeds as its legacy for the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Zinnia, can be propagated successfully through seed sowing. The best time to propagate Zinnias by seed is after the last frost date in your area when the soil has warmed up. To do this, seeds should be sown directly into the garden soil about a quarter inch (6 mm) deep, spaced approximately 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow for mature growth. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is crucial for the seeds to germinate, which usually happens within 5 to 7 days. Once seedlings emerge and show a couple of true leaves, they can be thinned out to prevent overcrowding. This direct method leverages the fast-growing nature of the plant, making it the most popular approach among gardeners for its simplicity and effectiveness.
