Zinnia Zinnia elegans Dreamland Mixed (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans from the Dreamland Series, commonly known as zinnia, is a vibrant and showy flowering plant recognized for its diverse and attractive blooms. These flowers exhibit a mix of colors, often including shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, lavender, and white. Each blossom is a dense, semi-double to double flower, meaning they have multiple rows of petals, giving them a full, layered look reminiscent of a pom-pom. The petals have a classic zinnia shape—pointed and somewhat rounded at the tips, coming together to form the flower's round appearance, which is visually striking against the backdrop of mid-green leaves. The foliage is typically lance-shaped, with a smooth texture, adding a lush, verdant contrast to the vivid blooms. The Dreamland Mixed zinnias are known for their bright and lively presence, making them a favorite choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of enduring color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Common Zinnia, Youth-and-Age, Elegant Zinnia, Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia elegans, Zinnia violacea.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the Zinnia plant does not typically result in poisoning. However, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming non-food plants as they can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to pets. While it is not considered a poisonous plant, ingestion of Zinnias can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if consumed in large quantities. However, it is not expected to cause severe poisoning or long-term health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zinnia elegans is known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, even for novice gardeners.
- Vibrant Color: The Dreamland Series offers a wide range of vivid colors that can brighten up any garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects that aid in pollination and enhance garden health.
- Long Blooming Period: Zinnias have a lengthy flowering season, providing color from early summer until the first frosts of autumn.
- Excellent Cut Flowers: The stems are sturdy and the blooms long-lasting, making them ideal for cutting and arranging in vases.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, zinnia plants can handle periods of dry weather, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Versatile: Suitable for beds, borders, and containers, Zinnia elegans offers flexibility in garden design and placement.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid zinnias, making them a good choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern.
- Continuous Blooms: Deadheading encourages more flowers to form, leading to a continuous display of blooms throughout the season.
- Fast Growing: Zinnias germinate and grow rapidly, allowing for a quick establishment and flowering in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnia elegans can be used in the creation of natural dyes for textiles, giving a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- They can be incorporated into educational activities for children, where kids can learn about plant growth, pollination, and insect life cycles.
- Dried Zinnia elegans petals can be used in homemade potpourri mixes to add color and a mild, natural fragrance to a room.
- Zinnia elegans petals can be used in crafts, such as pressed flower art, due to their vibrant colors and ease of pressing.
- Those with a hobby in photography can use Zinnia elegans as an excellent subject for practicing macro and nature photography.
- The petals of Zinnia elegans can be sprinkled on salads or desserts for an edible garnish, adding a splash of color to dishes.
- Zinnia elegans can be used as a living mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in the garden.
- They make for an ideal choice in butterfly gardens, serving as both nectar and host plants for various butterfly species.
- The plant can be used as a natural way to gauge soil health, as zinnias thrive in well-fertilized, well-drained soils but suffer in poor conditions, indicating potential soil issues.
- Zinnias can be used in color therapy practices, where their bright colors are thought to influence emotions and mood in a positive way.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnias are often associated with remembering absent friends. The Zinnia elegans Dreamland Series, with its vibrant and diverse colors, symbolizes the enduring memories of friends past and present.
- Endurance: Due to their ability to withstand hot temperatures and bloom throughout the season, zinnias represent endurance and constancy.
- Daily remembrance: Given their long-lasting nature, zinnias are commonly used to symbolize daily remembrance of good times.
- Affection: The sheer beauty and variety of the Dreamland Series can also represent affection for someone, making it an ideal gift for a friend or family member you care deeply about.
- Thinking of an absent friend: In Victorian times, zinnias were sent to those who were missed, implying thoughts and fondness towards someone who is away.
WaterGarden Zinnias should be watered deeply a few times a week rather than a little every day. The goal is to encourage their roots to grow deeper into the soil. These flowers prefer about an inch of water each week through rainfall or watering. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water them every few days. It's best to water Zinnias at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightZinnias, such as the Dreamland Series, thrive in full sun. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these plants is in an area that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day without much shade, as this maximizes blooming potential.
TemperatureZinnias are warm-season plants that prefer temperatures between 74 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum nighttime temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will not survive a frost. The ideal temperature range ensures vigorous growth and abundant flowering for these garden favorites.
PruningPruning Zinnias, often referred to as deadheading, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. Snip off the old flowers as soon as they begin to fade, ideally down to the next stem or leaf node. Regular deadheading, ideally weekly, keeps the plants looking tidy and promotes continuous blooming, especially in the peak summer months.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Zinnia (Dreamland Series) is a well-draining, fertile loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Incorporate compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
RepottingZinnias (Dreamland Series) are annuals and typically do not require repotting as they complete their life cycle in one season and are then replanted from seed each year.
Humidity & MistingZinnias (Dreamland Series) prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Zinnias in bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Zinnias in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans, commonly known as zinnia, begins its life as a seed which germinates in warm soil with a temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C), usually within 5 to 7 days. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and grow into young plants with characteristic oval-shaped cotyledons, and true leaves develop shortly after. As the plant matures, it produces a strong stem and a profusion of leaves; thriving in full sunlight and well-drained soil, it eventually blooms in the summer or early fall. Zinnia flowers are diverse in color and form, ranging from single to double flower heads, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers fade to give way to seed heads, which dry out and disperse seeds for the next generation. Zinnias complete their life cycle in one growing season, dying off with the first heavy frost, but leaving seeds that can be collected for planting the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Zinnia or common zinnia, is popularly propagated by seed. To ensure successful germination, Zinnia seeds should be sown directly into the garden once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C) in spring after the threat of frost has passed. These warm-season annuals do not fare well with cold temperatures. The seeds are planted at a shallow depth of about a quarter inch (0.6 cm), spaced a few inches apart to allow for proper growth. Germination usually occurs within 5 to 7 days given the right conditions of soil moisture and temperature, with the seedlings requiring thinning out once they reach a few inches tall to allow for better airflow and growth among plants. Zinnias are best grown in full sunlight and appreciate well-draining soil, and regular watering to establish a strong root system.
