Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Macarenia' (d)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Macarenia', more commonly known as just Zinnia, is a vibrant flowering plant renowned for its lush and colorful blooms. The appearance of this Zinnia is characterized by its sturdy stems that showcase a profusion of flower heads. Each bloom boasts a dazzling array of petals that overlap one another, creating a full and intricate display. The flowers exhibit a rich palette, which can include shades ranging from vivid pinks to bold reds, often flaunting a gradient of hues that deepen toward the center of the flower. In the heart of each bloom, a visible cluster of tiny, central flowers adds depth and complexity to the overall flower structure. The plant's foliage presents a bright green color, composed of lance-shaped leaves that create a contrasting backdrop to the striking flowers. With a bushy and robust growth habit, Zinnia elegans 'Macarenia' adds texture and color to any garden or floral arrangement where the actual dimensions of the plant are not a factor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Youth-and-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Zinnia violacea, Crassina elegans, Zinnia angustifolia, Zinnia speciosa, Zinnia linearis, Zinnia bidentata
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are not known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence that common zinnias, including the Zinnia elegans variety, pose any health risks upon ingestion. Consequently, they are generally considered safe to handle and accidental ingestion typically doesn't result in poisoning or severe illness.
To pets
Zinnias are generally regarded as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The common zinnia or Zinnia elegans doesn't contain toxins known to cause poisoning in pets, so ingestion of this plant is unlikely to lead to severe or life-threatening symptoms. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.46 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Zinnias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination in gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Zinnias are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making them great for novice gardeners.
- Drought-Resistant: Once established, Zinnias are drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and care.
- Vibrant Colors: The bright and diverse color range of Zinnias can add aesthetic value to any garden or landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: Zinnias have a long flowering season, often from early summer until the first frost, providing consistent beauty.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms of Zinnias are edible and can be used to add color to salads, desserts, and garnishes.
- Good for Cut Flowers: Zinnias make excellent cut flowers due to their long stems and vibrant, long-lasting blossoms.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: The variety of colors, sizes, and shapes available in Zinnia varieties allows for diverse designs and patterns in garden plantings.
- Low Pest and Disease Risk: Zinnias are generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Companion Planting: Zinnias can be used in companion planting to help deter pests from more vulnerable plants in the garden.
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 as a natural food dye, providing a range of colors from yellow to pink, depending on the part of the flower used and the pH of the substance they are mixed with.
- These blossoms can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for their vibrant colors and to add a delicate, floral fragrance to a room.
- Zinnias can serve as an educational tool in gardening workshops focused on pollinator-friendly practices, due to their appeal to bees and butterflies.
- The flowers are often used in art projects, such as pressed flower crafts, to create lasting, natural works of art.
- Dried Zinnia petals can be used in homemade paper-making, adding texture and pops of color to the finished product.
- They can be employed as a natural fabric dye for a soft, pastel tint on materials like cotton and silk.
- Zinnias can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that prey on common garden pests.
- The sturdy stems of Zinnias make them an ideal choice for creating floral wreaths and garlands that last for extended periods.
- Zinnia seeds are edible, and while not commonly consumed, they can be roasted and enjoyed like sunflower seeds.
- The vivid colors of Zinnias can also be used as a color guide for artists and designers seeking natural color inspiration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Absent Friends: Zinnias are connected to the memory of absent friends, symbolizing enduring affection for those we miss.
- Endurance: The tough nature of zinnias signifies endurance and the ability to withstand challenges.
- In Memory of Someone: Their long-lasting bloom makes zinnias a symbol for commemorating someone who has passed away, representing a lasting impression of their memory.
- Daily Remembrance: The vibrant zinnia denotes keeping friends and happy times in our daily thoughts, an emblem of lasting remembrance.
- Elegance and Beauty: The specific epithet 'elegans' associates the zinnia with elegance and beauty, reflecting the plant's graceful appearance.
- Thoughts of a Friend: In Victorian flower language, sending a zinnia meant you were thinking of an absent friend, acting as a symbol of lasting friendship.
WaterZinnias should be watered deeply about once a week, providing about one inch of water which can equate to roughly half a gallon per square foot of soil, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. It is important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. When watering Zinnias, aim for the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During hot, dry spells, waterings may need to increase to twice a week to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightZinnias thrive best in full sun locations where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. A spot that gets ample morning sunlight and some protection during the hottest part of the afternoon is ideal. However, Zinnias are very adaptable and can still perform well with a bit less light, although blooming may be reduced in lower light conditions.
TemperatureZinnias prefer warm conditions and will thrive in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but may be damaged by frost. The ideal growing condition for Zinnias is to maintain the temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the night and between 74 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
PruningPruning Zinnias encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of young plants to promote branching, and deadhead regularly by cutting off spent flowers. Pruning should be done throughout the blooming season to maintain healthy plants and extend blooming. The best time for pruning is in the morning when the plants are most turgid.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCommon Zinnias thrive in well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix with equal parts garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingZinnias, commonly known, do not often require repotting as they are annuals; planting them each season is recommended instead of repotting.
Humidity & MistingZinnias typically do best in moderate humidity conditions and can tolerate dry air; they do not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Zinnias in a sunny spot and water moderately.
Outdoor
Sow in full sun after the last frost; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Macarenia', commonly known as Zinnia, begins its life as a seed that requires warm soil and full sun to germinate. Once planted, germination typically occurs within 5 to 7 days, rapidly progressing into the seedling stage where the first true leaves develop. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it grows rapidly, producing a lush foliage on which flower buds will form. Following the vegetative growth, the flowering stage occurs, showcasing a variety of vibrant blooms that can last several weeks to months depending on the climate and care provided. After pollination, the plant produces seeds in the center of the former blooms, completing its reproductive cycle. The Zinnia, being an annual, ends its life cycle after seed production, with the seeds waiting to restart the cycle when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as common zinnia or simply zinnia, is most popularly propagated through seed. The ideal time for sowing zinnia seeds is after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F (about 21°C). To propagate zinnias by seed, simply press the seeds lightly into the soil, spacing them about a foot apart to allow for proper growth. Water gently and keep the soil evenly moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5 to 7 days. As seedlings grow and establish, thin them out to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to poor air circulation and disease. This straightforward method of growing zinnias from seed is easy and often results in a vibrant and colorful display of flowers throughout the summer.
