Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral' (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral', commonly known as zinnia, is known for its captivating and vibrant coral-pink flowers. The petals have a distinctively large, lush bloom with a dahlia-like appearance that adds a touch of sophistication to the plant's overall aesthetic. These blooms can exhibit a variety of tones within the coral range, from soft peach to warm pink hues, and they are often characterized by their layered, overlapping petals that create a full, rounded look. The center of the flowers can be more pronounced, creating an eye-catching contrast with its deeper tones that attract both admiration and pollinators alike. The foliage of zinnia 'Dreamland Coral' is also noteworthy, with leaves that are typically a vivid green, creating an attractive backdrop for the dynamic coral-colored flowers. The plant carries its flowers on sturdy stems, which stand upright and hold the blooms well above the foliage, ensuring the flowers are the star of the show. These stems are adorned with lance-shaped leaves that point upwards, contributing to the plant’s bushy and abundant appearance. Zinnia 'Dreamland Coral' is a popular choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts due to its striking color and substantial flower heads, which also make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements. The plant's blooms persist through the summer months, providing a long-lasting display of color in outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Youth-And-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Zinnia elegans, Zinnia violacea.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Zinnia, is not considered toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic compounds that would cause poisoning if ingested. Therefore, eating parts of the Zinnia plant generally does not lead to any toxic consequences or symptoms of poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, it is not recommended to consume it and doing so may cause gastrointestinal discomfort simply because it is not a typical food source.
To pets
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Zinnia, is not considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant does not contain toxic substances that would lead to poisoning if your pet happens to ingest parts of it. Consuming Zinnia is not likely to cause any symptoms of poisoning or have serious toxic consequences for pets. However, ingestion of non-food plants might still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Coral
Height
1 foot (30.48 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30.48 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color: Zinnia elegans offers a bright coral hue that adds a vivid pop of color to any garden or landscape.
- Easy to Grow: Known for its hardiness, the Zinnia is considered beginner-friendly and grows with minimal maintenance.
- Long Blooming Period: With a generous blooming duration, Dreamland Coral Zinnias provide prolonged beauty throughout the growing season.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants are drought-tolerant, making them suitable for various climates and water-wise gardens.
- Cut Flower Use: Zinnia elegans has sturdy stems that make them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, holding up well in vases.
- Ideal for Containers: Compact and neat growth habit makes them perfect for container planting, balconies, or small spaces.
- Continuous Bloom: Deadheading spent flowers encourages new blooms, ensuring a dynamic display throughout the season.
- Disease Resistance: The Dreamland Series has been bred for improved resistance to common zinnia diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in flower beds, borders, and as mass plantings, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Heat Tolerance: These plants can withstand high temperatures, ideal for hot summer areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: Zinnia petals are edible and can add color to salads or can be used as a garnish for desserts and drinks.
- Dye: The vibrant colors of zinnias can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics or paper.
- Art supplies: Pressed zinnia flowers can be used in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking.
- Photography: Zinnias, with their striking colors, are excellent subjects for macro photography and garden photography.
- Learning Tool: Educators can use zinnias for teaching younger students about plant biology and life cycles, utilizing their easy-to-grow nature.
- Craft Projects: The sturdy stems of zinnias make them suitable for craft projects, such as creating floral crowns or wreaths.
- Cultural Symbols: Zinnias can be used in cultural ceremonies or celebrations due to their varying colors, symbolizing different meanings.
- Companion Planting: Zinnias can be planted among vegetables to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that aid in the overall health of a garden.
- Temporary Hedge: Taller varieties of zinnia can form a colorful, temporary hedge for summer gardens.
- Floral Display: Zinnias can be floated in water bowls or fountains for an eye-catching and unusual floral display in public areas or events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Zinnia elegans, commonly known as zinnia, symbolizes endurance because it can withstand hot and dry conditions and still bloom brightly.
- Memory: Zinnias are often planted in memory of an absent friend, representing lasting affection and in memoriam.
- Daily Remembrance: In Victorian symbolism, zinnias stood for thoughts filled with remembrance of friends each day.
- Friendship: Zinnias are seen as a symbol of enduring friendship, perhaps due to their long-lasting flowers and ability to thrive in many conditions.
- Goodness: The variety of bright colors in which zinnias are available speaks to the concept of goodness and positivity in everyday life.
- Affection: Giving zinnias can be a way to show affection towards someone, as they represent a thoughtful and caring gesture.
- Constancy: Their ability to bloom from mid-summer all the way to frost gives them a symbolic meaning of faithfulness and constancy in relationships.
WaterZinnia, commonly known as common zinnia, should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development. Aim to water the zinnias once a week with about one inch of water, being sure to soak the soil thoroughly. During particularly hot or dry weather, you might need to water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day. Adjust the amount of water and the frequency during the growing season based on rainfall and temperature changes, always checking the soil moisture before watering.
LightCommon zinnia thrives best in full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. They perform optimally when planted in a location where they receive unobstructed sun throughout the day. The ideal spot for a common zinnia is a south-facing position that benefits from the long hours of daylight without significant shade.
TemperatureCommon zinnia prefers warm conditions and does best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. These plants can tolerate higher temperatures as long as there is adequate moisture, but they start to suffer if temperatures drop below 50°F. Zinnias can typically handle the heat of the summer very well and are considered heat-tolerant plants.
PruningPruning common zinnias by deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. It's best to prune zinnias regularly, whenever flowers begin to fade. The best time to prune is in the morning when plants are the most hydrated. Additionally, cutting zinnia stems for bouquets also helps promote more blooms and maintains plant vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias require well-draining and fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. A good mix for Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral' can include a combination of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sandy soil to improve drainage. Additionally, incorporating a slow-release fertilizer can provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
RepottingZinnias, including Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral', are annuals and do not typically require repotting as they will complete their lifecycle in one season. Instead, they are sown directly into the garden or started in pots and then transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingZinnias like Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral' prefer a moderate level of humidity but are quite tolerant of different humidity conditions. It is more crucial to ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases, especially in regions with high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with space for air flow; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral', commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life as a seed that germinates in soil temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) often within 5 to 7 days when kept consistently moist. The seedling stage follows, featuring small cotyledons and developing true leaves that are characteristic of the species. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it forms a strong stem and a robust leaf structure, growing rapidly in favorable conditions of full sun and well-drained soil. Zinnias enter the blooming stage, showcasing vivid coral-colored flowers that attract pollinators and can last from late spring until the first frost if deadheaded regularly. After pollination, flowers produce seeds in the center of the now fading bloom, entering the reproductive stage where the plant focuses energy on seed maturation. The plant completes its life cycle when it dies after frost with mature seeds ready to be collected or self-sown for the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Coral', commonly known as Zinnia, is typically propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow Zinnia seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. You simply scatter the seeds on top of a well-draining soil mix, lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, and water them gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Place the pot or tray in a warm, bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight until the seedlings emerge, which usually takes about 5 to 7 days. Once they have a few sets of true leaves and have grown to a height of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm), they can be transplanted into the garden or individual pots.
