Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Pink' (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
The Dreamland Pink zinnia is known for its vibrant and eye-catching pink blooms. These flowers have a classic zinnia shape, with a dome of tightly packed, small central petals that resemble a pom-pom. Surrounding these are multiple layers of larger, flat petals which radiate outwards, creating a Dahlia-like appearance. The petals are a soft yet vivid pink color that can lend a romantic and whimsical feel to gardens or floral arrangements. Their foliage consists of lance-shaped leaves, which are usually a rich green, adding a lush backdrop to the colorful flowers. The leaves are somewhat rough to the touch with a slightly sandpapery texture. The stems are sturdy and upright, capable of supporting the weight of the blooms, which stand proudly atop them, making them an excellent choice for cutting gardens. The Dreamland Pink zinnia is a cheerful addition to any setting, bringing a splash of pink that's both warm and inviting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Dreamland Pink Zinnia, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia, Youth-And-Old-Age.
Common names
Zinnia elegans, Zinnia violacea.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are not considered to be toxic to humans. In most cases, they can be safely grown and handled without concern for poisoning. However, it's always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant that is not known to be edible, as individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain plant materials.
To pets
Zinnias are similarly non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. They are generally safe to have in a garden or home where pets might have access to them. As with humans, it is still best to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for consumption to prevent any potential gastrointestinal upset due to non-toxicity related issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Zinnia 'Dreamland Pink' adds a pop of vibrant pink color to gardens with its beautiful blooms.
- Easy to Grow: They are low maintenance and can thrive with minimal care, making them suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting pollination.
- Long Blooming Period: Zinnias have a lengthy blooming season, providing color from early summer until the first frost.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants have good drought resistance and can withstand periods without water.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, flower beds, and containers, making them a versatile choice for various garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: Zinnias are excellent for cutting gardens; they have long stems and a long vase life, which makes them perfect for bouquets.
- Heat Tolerance: They can tolerate high temperatures, making them ideal for hot and sunny garden spots.
- Disease Resistance: The Dreamland series is known for being resistant to common diseases, ensuring healthier plants.
- Fast Growing: They grow quickly from seed, so you won't have to wait too long to see their colorful display.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric Dye: The bright pink petals of Zinnia can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a soft pink hue.
- Art Supplies: Crushed petals can act as a pigment for homemade watercolors or pastels for art projects.
- Edible Garnish: While not common, the petals of Zinnia are edible and can add a splash of color to salads or desserts.
- Photography Prop: Because of their vibrant color and shape, Zinnia flowers can be used as subjects or backgrounds in macro photography.
- Floral Confetti: Dried petals can be tossed as natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
- Crafting: The sturdy stems and bright petals make Zinnias suitable for crafting projects, like making flower crowns or wreaths.
- Educational Tool: Zinnias can be used in educational settings, illustrating plant growth cycles to students in biology or gardening classes.
- Bookmark Creation: Pressed Zinnias can be laminated to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Pen Pal Correspondence: Adding a pressed Zinnia flower to a letter can make the correspondence more personal and visually pleasing.
- Temporary Tattoos: The petals' shapes can serve as stencils for creating unique, natural temporary tattoos when applied with safe, skin-friendly ink.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Zinnia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Zinnia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnias are often associated with the remembrance of absent friends, making them a symbol for enduring friendship and affectionate recollections.
- Endurance: Due to their ability to withstand hot temperatures and still provide beautiful blooms, Zinnias symbolize endurance and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Daily Remembrance: The Victorian language of flowers often used Zinnias to represent daily remembrance, suggesting a constant affection or thought for someone.
- Goodness: A Zinnia can symbolize the notion of goodness, reflecting an innate quality of positive attributes and morality.
- Lasting Affection: Zinnia elegans, being a part of garden landscapes for the entire season, can symbolize lasting affection, representing stable and long-term emotions.
- Friendship: The vibrant and sociable nature of the Zinnia's blooms associates them with friendship, making them perfect to give to a friend with whom you share deep bonds.
- Heartfelt Honesty: Zinnias are sometimes connected with honesty, encouraging straightforwardness and sincerity in personal dealings.
- Absent Friends: In the language of flowers, Zinnias can be given with the sentiment of thinking about friends who are far away.
WaterZinnias require consistent moisture, so water Dreamland Pink zinnias deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this might be once a week, but during hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary. When watering, aim to provide about 1 inch of water which equates to about 0.623 gallons per square foot, ensuring that you water the soil directly to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Avoid overwatering, as zinnias do not like soggy conditions. During prolonged rainy periods, you may not need to water at all, as too much moisture can also be detrimental.
LightDreamland Pink zinnias thrive in full sun, which means they prefer at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight on most days to perform their best. The ideal spot for these plants is in an area where they receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Light shade is tolerable, especially in hotter regions, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and leggy plants.
TemperatureDreamland Pink zinnias flourish in warm conditions and are best suited to temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50°F, but growth may slow down. The maximum temperature for optimum growth is around 90°F, but they can survive higher temperatures if they are well-watered. It's important to plant them after the danger of frost has passed as they are sensitive to cold.
PruningPruning Dreamland Pink zinnias is important for maintaining plant health and promoting more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new bud formation. Cut back the plants by one-third in midsummer if they become leggy or sparse to rejuvenate their growth. The best time for pruning is in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnia requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or coconut coir can be ideal. Ensure good aeration and drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingZinnias, including the 'Dreamland Pink', do not usually require repotting as they are annuals. They are typically seeded directly where they are to flower, as they do not respond well to transplantation.
Humidity & MistingZinnias like 'Dreamland Pink' prefer low to moderate humidity levels. They thrive in outdoor environments where humidity is natural and not excessively high, as high humidity can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, warm temps, and good air circulation for indoor Zinnias.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space them for air flow.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Zinnia 'Dreamland Pink' starts its life when seeds are sown in well-drained soil after the last frost in spring, germinating usually within 5 to 7 days at temperatures around 75-85°F. Seedlings emerge and begin to exhibit their first true leaves after the cotyledons, requiring full sunlight and moderate watering for optimal growth. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a bushy structure with lance-shaped leaves, and after about 60 days from sowing, it starts to form buds. These buds blossom into large, vibrant pink flowers with a layered petal structure, which typically bloom from early summer to the first frost. Throughout the blooming period, Zinnias encourage pollinators such as bees and butterflies to visit, ensuring pollination. Finally, after flowering, seeds develop in the flower head and can be harvested when the heads are brown and dry for planting in the next growing season, thus completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zinnias, including the 'Dreamland Pink' variety, are typically propagated through seeds. The seeds should ideally be sown in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. For earlier blooms, they can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant the seeds no more than a quarter inch deep into a well-draining, fertile soil mix. Water them thoroughly and place them in a warm spot with plenty of sunlight. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, spacing them approximately 6 to 9 inches apart to allow for ample growth.
