Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet' (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet', commonly known as zinnia, is a vibrant flowering annual known for its showy blooms that adorn the plant throughout the growing season. This particular variety is part of the Dreamland Series, which is celebrated for its eye-catching flower colors. Dreamland Scarlet boasts rich, velvety scarlet red flowers that are deeply saturated in color. The blooms are typically large and dahlia-like in appearance, featuring layers upon layers of petals that create a dense, dome-shaped form. The petals have a smooth texture and can sometimes display a subtle sheen when they catch the light. Each flower is perched atop a single, sturdy stem, which is surrounded by mid-green leaves. The foliage is lance-shaped and can have slightly serrated edges, providing a lush backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the bright scarlet flowers. Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet' is particularly eye-catching when planted in groups or masses, creating swathes of red across garden beds and borders. Its bold flowers not only add intense pops of color to outdoor spaces but also attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding to the dynamic environment of the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Common Zinnia, Youth-and-Age, Elegant Zinnia, Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia violacea, Zinnia angustifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting zinnia plants. As with any non-food plant, consuming large quantities might cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or vomiting, mostly due to the plant material being indigestible rather than chemical toxicity per se.
To pets
Zinnia is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Similar to humans, pets are unlikely to experience poisoning from ingesting zinnias. Nonetheless, ingestion of plant material could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, resulting in symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, simply because the plant material can irritate a pet's stomach.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Scarlet
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color - Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet' offers bright, scarlet-red flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Easy to Grow - They are known for being easy to cultivate, even for beginner gardeners, as they aren't demanding regarding soil quality and care.
- Attracts Pollinators - The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which is essential for the health of your garden and the environment.
- Extended Blooming - Zinnias have a long flowering season, often from early summer until the first frost, providing continuous color and interest.
- Heat Tolerance - They are heat-resistant, making them an excellent choice for hot and sunny locations where other plants might struggle.
- Great for Cut Flowers - With sturdy stems and a long vase life, they make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Versatile Use - Ideal for use in beds, borders, and container plantings, allowing for a variety of landscaping designs and uses.
- Disease Resistance - The Dreamland Series is bred for improved resistance to common zinnia diseases, ensuring healthier plants.
- Drought Resistance - Once established, they can tolerate periods of low water, making them suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance - Zinnias require minimal maintenance, such as occasional deadheading to encourage more blooms.
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 used in dye production; the flowers can be used to create a natural dye in various shades depending on the mordant used.
- They serve as educational tools in gardening workshops, where participants can learn about plant growth, flower structure, and pollination.
- Zinnias are often used in scientific studies on plant genetics due to their diverse range of colors and easy cultivation.
- Ink making could utilize zinnias for their pigment, lending a unique color derived from the flower petals.
- They can be used in art projects, such as pressing the flowers for decorative purposes in scrapbooking or card making.
- Zinnias work as companion plants to help deter pests like aphids and tomato worms when planted in vegetable gardens.
- Their strong stems make zinnias suitable for creating natural plant supports for weaker or trailing plants in the garden.
- Children’s playgrounds and outdoor learning environments may use zinnias for sensory gardens due to their bright colors and textures.
- They can be used in floral photography to provide vibrant backdrops or as subjects to develop photography skills.
- Zinnia elegans flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, providing color and, if their subtle scent is captured, a mild fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnia, in Feng Shui, is considered to symbolize happiness and friendliness. To incorporate Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet' into Feng Shui practice, one might place the vibrant red zinnias in the south sector of a garden or room to enhance recognition and fame or in the east sector to promote good health and family harmony, as red is an auspicious color energizing the space with Yang energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Zinnia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnia is a flower that is often associated with remembrance, making it a suitable symbol for honoring the memory of a lost friend or loved one.
- Innocence: The bright, pristine blooms of the Zinnia can signify purity and innocence, reminiscent of the carefree days of childhood.
- Endurance: Due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, the Zinnia represents endurance and perseverance, encouraging one to persist through challenges.
- Friendship: Zinnias are commonly gifted between friends as tokens of affection and deep bonds, celebrating the strength and joy of their relationship.
- Absent Friends: In Victorian times, Zinnias were used to symbolize thoughts of absent friends, offering a floral reminder of those far away.
- Daily Remembrance: The Zinnia, blooming with brilliance, is also a symbol of daily remembrance of good times, suggesting one should cherish each day and create happy memories.
WaterZinnias require consistent moisture, so it's essential to water them regularly. Dreamland Scarlet Zinnias should be watered deeply a few times a week, more often if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water each week, either through rainfall or manual watering, which translates to about 0.6 gallons for each square foot of garden space. It is best to water in the morning, directly at the base of the plants, to ensure that the foliage has time to dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During periods of extended rain or cool temperatures, reduce the amount of water to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightDreamland Scarlet Zinnias thrive in full sun conditions. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though more is preferable to promote strong growth and vibrant blooms. Choose a spot in the garden that receives uninterrupted sun throughout the day to ensure these flowers flourish. Avoid placing them in areas with heavy shade or where buildings and trees cast long shadows, as this can impede their development and flowering potential.
TemperatureDreamland Scarlet Zinnias perform best in warm weather and should be grown when temperatures are consistently between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum nighttime temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth, daytime temperatures are preferred higher. They are not frost-tolerant, so be sure to plant them after the last expected frost date and harvest or protect them before the first fall frost.
PruningPruning Dreamland Scarlet Zinnias is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more stems, which will result in additional blooms. The best time for pruning is in the morning when the plant's tissue is most hydrated, which will help reduce stress on the Zinnias.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias require a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix of equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss or perlite works well to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
RepottingZinnias, being annuals, do not typically require repotting. They are planted each year directly in the garden or in containers where they will bloom for a single season.
Humidity & MistingZinnias thrive in moderate humidity conditions. They do well in typical outdoor environments without the need for additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide zinnias with bright light and good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Plant zinnias in full sun, in well-drained soil, after the risk of frost.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet’, commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in well-drained, fertile soil and with adequate warmth, will germinate typically within 5-24 days. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of seed leaves (cotyledons), and then true leaves, as it establishes a root system and begins photosynthesis. In the vegetative stage, the Zinnia grows vigorously, developing a sturdy stem and a bushy appearance with multiple leaves. During the flowering stage, Zinnia produces vibrant scarlet blossoms that are large and showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant enters the fruiting stage where it forms seed heads that mature and eventually dry out, allowing for seed dispersal. Finally, as an annual plant, the Zinnia completes its life cycle within a single growing season, after which it dies, leaving its seeds to start the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Scarlet' is through seeds. The ideal time to sow these seeds is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, usually in late spring. You would begin by scattering the seeds onto a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly covering them with about an eighth of an inch (approximately 3 millimeters) of soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and situated in a warm, bright area, but not in direct sunlight. Germination should occur within 5 to 7 days. Zinnias can also be sown directly into garden beds where they are to flower, which simplifies transplanting and reduces the risk of root disturbance. It's crucial to space the plants around 6 to 8 inches apart (about 15-20 centimeters) to ensure adequate air circulation and sunlight exposure for healthy growth.
