Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Rose' (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Rose', commonly known as the Dreamland Rose zinnia, is a vibrant and colorful flowering plant. This variety is known for its rich, rose-pink blossoms that create a lush display of color in gardens and landscapes. The flowers of the Dreamland Rose zinnia are distinctive for their double, dahlia-like shape, boasting multiple layers of petals that create a dome-like form. Each petal is soft to the touch and has a slightly rounded shape, contributing to the overall fullness of the flower. The center of the bloom is less visible due to the high petal count, and it holds a subtle, lighter shade that may sometimes contrast gently with the deeper pink of the outer petals. The foliage of the Dreamland Rose zinnia is typically a bright green, providing a fresh background that accentuates the floral display. Leaves are usually lance-shaped and may have a slightly rough texture. The visual appeal of the Dreamland Rose zinnia is heightened by its tendency to produce multiple flowers per stem, creating a bouquet-like effect that is both opulent and eye-catching. These flowers are popular among gardeners and landscapers for their striking color and ability to add a romantic, whimsical quality to any planting area.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Youth-And-Old-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Zinnia elegans.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of Zinnia plants typically doesn't result in poisoning or adverse symptoms.
To pets
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally considered safe, and ingestion should not cause poisoning or harmful symptoms in animals like cats and dogs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 12 inches (30-36 cm)
Spread
1 feet 12 inches (30-36 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zinnia 'Dreamland Rose' is known for its ease of cultivation and can thrive with minimal care, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Vibrant Color: The plant produces vibrant rose-colored flowers that can add a pop of color to any garden or landscape.
- Long Blooming Season: Zinnias have a prolonged flowering period, which means they can provide color from late spring until frost.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract butterflies and bees, thus promoting biodiversity and pollination in the garden.
- Ideal for Cut Flowers: The long stems and robust blooms make Zinnia 'Dreamland Rose' ideal for use in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they are quite drought-resistant, making them suitable for warm and dry climates.
- Resistant to Deer: These plants are typically not favored by deer, which helps prevent them from being eaten in areas with deer populations.
- Low Maintenance: Zinnias require very little maintenance, such as deadheading to encourage more blooms, but overall they are undemanding plants.
- Adaptable: They can grow in a variety of soil types, although they prefer well-drained, fertile soil.
- Container Gardening: Zinnia 'Dreamland Rose' can be grown in pots, making it versatile for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnia can be utilized as a natural fabric dye, producing a range of colors from yellow to brown depending on the part of the plant used.
- The petals of Zinnia may be pressed and used in art projects such as handmade paper or botanical prints.
- Dry Zinnia petals can be included in potpourri mixes for a splash of color and a subtle, natural fragrance.
- Zinnia flowers can serve as natural indicators for the presence of certain garden pests, as they may attract them and thus provide early warning for gardeners.
- These flowers can be used in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of insects.
- Zinnia is a candidate for companion planting, possibly deterring pests from more valuable crops or attracting beneficial insects.
- The sturdy stems of Zinnia make them ideal for use in lightweight garden structures, such as decorative supports for other plants.
- Dried Zinnia flowers can be used to make a colorful, natural confetti for celebrations and eco-friendly events.
- The vivid colors of Zinnia petals can be used to make natural inks for painting or stamping, offering an alternative to synthetic colors.
- Zinnia blossoms can be floated in water bowls as a decorative element for garden parties or serene outdoor spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Zinnias are known for their ability to withstand hot temperatures and continue to flower. Therefore, they symbolize endurance and persistence.
- Memory: In Victorian times, zinnias were given to friends as a token to remember absent friends, making it a symbol of lasting affection and remembrance.
- Friendship: The colorful and long-lasting blooms of zinnias represent the concept of lasting friendship, as they keep their beauty over time.
- Daily remembrance: Because zinnias can bloom everyday, they serve as a reminder of daily memories and constancy.
- Goodness and kindness: The vibrant appearance of zinnias often signifies goodness and kindness, uplifting the spirits of viewers.
- Healing: Zinnias have a cheerful appearance which is often associated with healing and recovery, providing comfort and positivity.
WaterZinnias should be watered regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. It's best to water deeply a few times a week rather than a little bit every day, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. When watering zinnias, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. For potted zinnias, ensure the container has adequate drainage and water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot. If the week has been particularly hot or windy, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightZinnias thrive in full sun and should be placed in a spot where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. They perform best and produce the most flowers when planted in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing zinnias in areas with prolonged shade or filtered light to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureZinnias prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to frost. They thrive when daytime temperatures are between 74°F and 84°F. They can survive minimum temperatures no lower than 50°F; however, prolonged exposure to cold will damage the plant. Ideal growing conditions involve warm days and mild nights without the risk of frost.
PruningPruning zinnias can encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Pinch or snip off the tops of the plants when they are young to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms and extend the flowering season. The best time for pruning is in the morning when plants are at their freshest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias require well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter; a mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingZinnias, including 'Dreamland Rose', are typically grown as annuals, thus they are not generally repotted but instead reseeded or replanted each season.
Humidity & MistingZinnias like 'Dreamland Rose' tolerate average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant zinnias in a bright spot and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil after the last frost.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans, commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life cycle when seeds are planted in fertile, well-drained soil after the last frost of spring. The seeds germinate within 5-24 days depending on soil temperature, leading to the emergence of seedlings with a pair of true leaves. As the Zinnia seedlings grow, they develop a sturdy stem and a bushy form with numerous lance-shaped leaves, entering a vegetative stage. Upon reaching maturity, which typically takes 60-70 days, the Zinnia blooms, producing vibrant rose-colored flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These flowers can last several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions and care. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which eventually dry on the plant and can be collected for next season's planting or left to self-sow, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Zinnia, specifically Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Rose', is most commonly propagated through seeds. The ideal time for sowing Zinnia seeds is after the last frost of spring has passed and the soil has warmed, ensuring a hospitable environment for seed germination. To propagate Zinnias from seeds, simply press the seeds into moist soil at a shallow depth of about a quarter inch (approximately 6 millimeters), as they require light to germinate effectively. Providing full sun and well-drained soil can help ensure successful growth. Seedlings typically emerge within 5 to 7 days when kept at soil temperatures between 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (around 23 to 25.5 degrees Celsius). As the seedlings develop, thin them to stand 6 to 18 inches apart (about 15 to 45 centimeters) to give each plant enough room to grow to its potential.
