Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Yellow' (Dreamland Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia 'Dreamland Yellow' presents a jubilant display of bright yellow flowers that add a splash of sunshine to any garden setting. The blooms of this variety are noteworthy for their large, dahlia-like blossoms, which feature layers of overlapping petals rounded at the tips, giving them a soft, lush appearance. These vibrant flowers create a stunning contrast against the background of rich green leaves, which have a classic lance shape with a slightly serrated edge. The leaves and stems of Zinnia 'Dreamland Yellow' are firm and generally upright, allowing the plant to showcase its floral beauty with poise. The overall impression is one of cheerfulness and vivid color, capturing the essence of summer in each flower. The bold yellow hue of the 'Dreamland Yellow' is especially effective for creating a sense of warmth in the garden, and when planted in groups or as part of a mixed border, they offer a continuous and cohesive color theme. These zinnias are known not just for their delightful color but also for their ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding an extra layer of activity and interest to their surroundings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Youth-and-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia, Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia elegans.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia, the common name for Zinnia elegans 'Dreamland Yellow', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects expected from ingesting parts of this plant. However, if any part of the plant is ingested in large amounts, gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or vomiting could potentially occur due to the plant matter's irritating nature rather than toxicity.
To pets
Zinnia is also non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause any significant toxicity to cats or dogs. As with humans, consuming large quantities could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply from the physical irritation of the plant material in the stomach, not because the plant is poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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- Attracts Pollinators: Zinnias are known for their ability to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects that pollinate flowers.
- Easy to Grow: Dreamland Yellow zinnias are relatively low maintenance, making them suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Vibrant Color: With their bright yellow blooms, they contribute vivid color to garden beds and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: Zinnias have a long flowering season, from spring to frost, providing consistent color in the garden.
- Cut Flowers: These flowers are excellent for bouquets and arrangements due to their longevity after being cut.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, zinnias are quite drought-resistant, making them suitable for dry climate gardens.
- Heat Tolerant: They can endure high temperatures, which makes them ideal for summer gardens.
- Deer Resistant: Zinnias are not a preferred choice for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Easy to Propagate: They can be easily grown from seeds, allowing gardeners to propagate new plants each year.
- Versatile Use: Dreamland Yellow zinnias are appropriate for use in beds, borders, and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnia flowers can be used to create natural fabric dyes. The petals of 'Dreamland Yellow' can impart a soft yellow hue to textiles.
- Zinnias are excellent for teaching children about gardening due to their easy-to-grow nature and vibrant colors, which can stimulate interest and curiosity in horticulture.
- The distinctive shape and color of Zinnia flowers make them suitable for use in floral art and design, as they can add structure and a pop of color to any piece.
- Zinnias can be used as a living mulch between vegetable rows, where they can help suppress weeds and add aesthetic value to the garden space.
- The sturdy stems of Zinnias make them ideal for crafting natural wreaths and garlands when dried, celebrating their beauty long after their blooming season.
- Zinnias, due to their attractive blooms, can serve as a focal point in landscape design, offering a burst of color to garden beds and borders.
- 'Dreamland Yellow' Zinnias can be used for petal confetti at events and celebrations, providing a biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional confetti.
- In photography, the vibrant yellow of 'Dreamland Yellow' Zinnias can be used as a backdrop or feature in photo shoots, adding color contrast and interest.
- Pressed Zinnia blossoms can be incorporated into handmade paper, lending an artistic quality and texture to the finished product.
- Zinnia flowers can be used in sensory gardens, as their bright and lively colors are attractive and stimulating to both children and adults with sensory processing issues.
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 remembrance, making a bouquet of Dreamland Yellow Zinnias a considerate gift for someone who might be mourning or remembering a loved one.
- Friendship: The bright, vibrant yellow color of the Dreamland Yellow Zinnia symbolizes daily remembrance and friendship, making them perfect for a friend who you’re thinking of or who has stood by you.
- Endurance: Zinnias in general withstand heat and sun exceptionally well, and their long-lasting blooms are the basis for their symbolizing endurance and constancy in relationships.
- Daily Remembrance: With their long-lasting nature, Dreamland Yellow Zinnias can remind us to appreciate every moment, making the most of our daily lives.
- Goodness: The sunny hue of the flower signifies goodness and warmth, possibly due to the association of yellow with sunlight and positivity.
- Joy: Yellow flowers are synonymous with happiness and cheer, which makes a Dreamland Yellow Zinnia the perfect bloom to lift someone's spirits or to celebrate a happy occasion.
WaterZinnias, such as Dreamland Yellow, should be watered deeply a few times a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot, dry periods, water may be needed more frequently, such as every other day, to maintain consistent moisture. Apply water directly to the base of the plant using a watering can or soaker hose to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. A general rule is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, but this can vary based on soil type and weather conditions. In hotter weeks, you may need to water with approximately 2 gallons per square yard to maintain proper soil moisture.
LightZinnia elegans 'Dreamland Yellow' thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these sun-loving plants is an area with unobstructed exposure to the sun's rays throughout the day, making them ideal for open garden beds, borders, or containers in a bright, sunny position.
TemperatureDreamland Series Zinnias prefer warm conditions and should be grown in temperatures ranging between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures above this range but will start to suffer when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Zinnias are sensitive to frost, and the ideal growing season is after all danger of frost has passed until the first frost of fall.
PruningPruning Zinnias, including the Dreamland Yellow variety, encourages more blooms and helps maintain plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Pruning can be done every few weeks or as needed when flowers fade. The best time to prune is in the morning when the plants are dry.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias thrive in a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A good mix for Dreamland Yellow would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or coco coir to ensure drainage and fertility.
RepottingZinnias are usually grown as annuals and therefore do not require repotting. Start with fresh soil each spring when planting Dreamland Yellow zinnias in pots or garden beds.
Humidity & MistingZinnias, including Dreamland Yellow, are not particularly humidity-sensitive and do well in average garden conditions. They prefer a moderate humidity level but can tolerate a range from dry to somewhat humid environments without issue.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after the last frost; water and deadhead regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Dreamland Yellow', commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life as a seed which, when planted in warm, well-drained soil and receiving full sun, germinates within 5-24 days. The seedlings emerge and grow into young plants, putting out their first true leaves, which are followed by subsequent sets as the plant matures. As it develops a strong stem and branching structure, the Zinnia enters its vegetative stage, during which time it focuses on leaf growth and increasing its size and height. Upon reaching maturity, the zinnia begins its reproductive phase, characterized by the development of distinctive bright yellow flower heads, which attract various pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow if conditions are favorable. Finally, as an annual plant, once the zinnia completes its seeding process, it will eventually wither and die with the onset of the first frost, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Zinnia elegans, commonly known as zinnia, is typically propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow zinnia seeds is after the last frost when the soil has warmed, usually late spring to early summer. To propagate, simply scatter the seeds over a well-drained soil mix in either a seed tray or directly in the garden where you wish the plants to grow. Barely cover them with soil as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. Thin out the seedlings once they reach a height of 3 inches, allowing 6 to 18 inches of space between them to ensure good air circulation and prevent powdery mildew as they grow.
