Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red' (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', commonly known as Dreamland Series Zinnia, is an eye-catching flowering plant that presents a vibrant and showy display. It is characterized by its large, radiant red blooms that present a lush, dahlia-like appearance. These blossoms are made up of multiple layers of petals that form a dense, almost spherical head, creating a striking visual impact. The flowers themselves are bold and bright, drawing attention with their vivid red hues. The foliage of Dreamland Red is equally impressive, with dark green leaves that have a pointed shape and a somewhat rough texture. These leaves form a lush backdrop that highlights the intensity of the red flowers. The plant maintains a bushy and neat habit, giving it a full and robust look even without the measurement details. Overall, Dreamland Red Zinnia holds a splendid presence in any garden, with its richly colored, stunning flowers and contrasting green foliage. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding even more life and color to the plant's surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Youth-And-Old-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Zinnia elegans, Zinnia violacea
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, ingesting parts of Zinnias, including Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', is unlikely to cause poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption of plant parts is not advised and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Zinnia is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of Zinnias, such as Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', is not expected to result in poisoning. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, so it is always best to prevent your pets from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Zinnias are known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting pollination.
- Easy to Grow: Zinnias are relatively easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil types, requiring minimal care once established.
- Long Blooming Season: Zinnias have a long blooming period, often from early summer until the first frost, providing consistent color.
- Vibrant Colors: The 'Dreamland Red' offers bright, vibrant red flowers, which add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Heat Tolerance: They are heat-tolerant, making them suitable for warm climates where other plants may struggle.
- Drought Resistance: These plants are somewhat resistant to drought conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Great for Cut Flowers: Zinnias have sturdy stems and hold up well in vases, making them excellent choices for cut flower arrangements.
- Low Maintenance: They are low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and deadheading to maintain their appearance.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of zinnias are edible, though they are more often used as garnish or for decoration than as a food source.
- Versatile Use: Zinnias are suitable for flower beds, borders, and container gardening, offering flexibility in landscaping design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrops: Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red' provides vibrant and aesthetically pleasing backgrounds for close-up photography, enhancing the richness of the subject's colors.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use this plant to teach students about plant growth cycles, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity in gardens.
- Dying Fabric: The petals of the Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red' can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics with a red hue.
- Calligraphy Ink: The vibrant pigment from the petals can be incorporated into a base to create natural red inks for calligraphy and art.
- Floral Arrangements: Due to their sturdy stems and long vase life, Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red' are exceptional for use in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Butterfly Gardens: Planting them can create habitats that attract and support butterfly populations, contributing to the conservation of these pollinators.
- Theme Gardens: Their bold red color can be used to design monochromatic or patriotic theme gardens for visual impact and thematic landscaping.
- Edible Flower Garnish: While not traditionally a culinary herb, the petals of Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red' are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts.
- Art Supplies: Dried petals can be used as natural confetti or incorporated into paper making, providing texture and color to handmade crafts.
- Event Decorating: Their showy flowers and ease of growth make them ideal for decorating venues for events such as weddings or garden parties.
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 and Remembrance: Red Zinnias, like those in the 'Dreamland Red' series, often symbolize remembrance of friends who are absent, reflecting the tradition of giving a red Zinnia to someone who is missed.
- Endurance and Daily Remembrance: Zinnias, in a broader sense, represent thoughts of absent friends with their long-lasting blooms, signifying an endurance of memory and a lasting affection.
- Friendship: Zinnias symbolize enduring friendship, suggesting that the relationship can withstand absences and continue to grow.
- Heartfelt Honesty: Giving a Zinnia can signify the expression of a sincere, candid emotion towards someone, embodying openness and honesty.
- Joy: The vibrancy of 'Dreamland Red' Zinnias is typically associated with joy and cheerfulness, making them a popular choice in gardens and as gifts to spread happiness.
WaterZinnias require moderate watering, typically around 1 inch of water per week either from rainfall or manual watering. It's best to water them deeply a few times a week rather than a little every day. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During periods of high heat or dryness, increase watering to compensate for the additional water loss. Apply water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage as wet leaves can promote fungal diseases.
LightZinnias thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place them in a spot where they will receive ample morning light and protection from the harsher late afternoon sun if necessary. Avoid heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureZinnias perform best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F and can handle minimum temperatures of about 50°F. They are sensitive to frost, and temperatures below 50°F can damage or kill the plant. Zinnias love the warm weather of summer and will bloom vigorously when the conditions are within their ideal range.
PruningPruning zinnias is primarily done to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous flowering. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half mid-season to rejuvenate the plant and encourage a new flush of flowers. The best time to prune is in the morning when the plants are well hydrated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', commonly known as Zinnia, thrives in a well-draining soil mix high in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will provide a fertile growing medium. Perlite or coarse sand can be added to improve drainage.
RepottingZinnias, including Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', are generally grown as annuals and do not require repotting. They are often planted directly in the garden each year from seed or transplants and do not live long enough to need repotting.
Humidity & MistingZinnias, such as Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', prefer moderate humidity levels. While they are tolerant of various humidity conditions, it's best to keep them in an environment with average air moisture, as excessively high humidity can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Zinnia 'Dreamland Red' in bright light, with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Zinnia 'Dreamland Red' in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Dreamland Red', commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown after the last frost, as they require warm soil to germinate. Seedlings emerge in 5 to 7 days under optimal conditions, and after a few weeks, they develop true leaves and can be thinned out to prevent overcrowding. As the plant grows, it develops a sturdy stem and a bushy form with lance-shaped leaves, reaching its mature size within 6 to 8 weeks. The Zinnia then produces vibrant red, dahlia-like flower heads that attract pollinators like butterflies and continue to bloom prolifically throughout the summer months. If deadheaded regularly, which involves removing faded flowers, the Zinnia will produce new blooms until the first frost. Finally, as cooler weather arrives, the plant will set seed heads; if left on the plant, they will drop seeds for the next generation or can be collected for future planting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as common zinnia, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow zinnia seeds is after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up, usually in late spring or early summer. The popular method for propagating common zinnia involves directly sowing the seeds into the garden or starting them indoors. To start them indoors, fill a seed tray with a well-draining soil mix and lightly press the seeds into the soil, covering them with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the tray in a warm location with plenty of light; the seeds should germinate in 5 to 7 days. Once the seedlings have grown and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden, spaced approximately 6 to 9 inches apart to allow for adequate airflow and growth.
