Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Magellan Orange' (Magellan Series) (d)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Magellan Orange' from the Magellan Series is a vibrant and showy flowering plant known for its large, dahlia-like blooms. The primary feature that catches the eye is the rich orange color of its petals. These petals form a dense, multi-layered structure that creates a lush, full blossom typical of zinnias. The middle of each flower is often a slightly different tone, with hints of yellow or deeper orange, giving it a dynamic and fiery appearance. The foliage is bright green and serves as a crisp background for the spectacular floral display. The leaves are lance-shaped and slightly rough to the touch, creating a pleasing contrast with the smoothness of the flower petals. This variety of zinnia makes a bold statement in any garden bed, container, or bouquet where its striking color can be appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Common Zinnia, Youth-And-Age, Elegant Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia violacea Cav.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to humans. These flowers are generally considered safe and there is no widespread evidence of zinnia toxicity causing harm if ingested or handled. As with any plant, individual reactions can vary, so it is always wise to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting any part of the plant unnecessarily.
To pets
Zinnia is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for animals, and there is no significant evidence to suggest that ingestion of zinnia, including the 'Magellan Orange' variety, will cause harm to pets. As with humans, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants since individual reactions can occur. However, zinnias are not typically associated with toxic symptoms in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 feet 2 inches (35 cm)
Spread
1 feet 2 inches (35 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow - Zinnia elegans is known for being a reliable and easy-to-grow plant that thrives in a variety of conditions.
- Attracts pollinators - It attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, providing a healthy environment for pollination.
- Long blooming season - This zinnia has a long flowering period, often from early summer to frost, offering continuous color in the garden.
- Low maintenance - Once established, Zinnia elegans requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners at all levels of experience.
- Drought tolerant - It can withstand periods of low water, though regular watering keeps it at its best.
- Bright color - The 'Magellan Orange' offers bright orange flowers that add vibrant color to any garden or landscape.
- Effective in mass plantings - The consistent growth habit of the Magellan Series makes it ideal for creating impact in large garden beds.
- Versatile - Zinnias are suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers in arrangements.
- Resistant to deer - Typically, Zinnia elegans is not preferred by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Enhances garden aesthetics - The full, bushy growth and vivid flowers enhance the visual appeal of garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnias can be used in art projects, such as pressing the flowers for decorative purposes in scrapbooking, card making, or creating botanical prints.
- The vibrant petals of zinnias can be used as a natural fabric dye, giving textiles a beautiful orange hue.
- Dried zinnia petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes to add color and a subtle floral fragrance to a room.
- The stems of zinnias are strong and can be woven into baskets or used in other craft projects that require sturdy natural fibers.
- Zinnia flowers can be used in culinary presentations, serving as an edible garnish to add color and elegance to dishes.
- Zinnia seeds are popular for bird feeders, attracting birds with their high oil content and nutritional value.
- The bright colors of zinnias are useful in educational activities for children, teaching them about pollination and plant growth.
- Zinnias can be used as indicator plants in gardens, as they are easy to grow and can signal soil health and appropriate watering levels.
- Zinnia flowers can act as natural confetti for outdoor events, adding festive color without the environmental impact of synthetic confetti.
- Zinnia petals can be used to create homemade natural soaps, giving the soap vibrant colors and a mild fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory and remembrance: Zinnias are commonly associated with the idea of holding onto positive memories, often given as a token to remember absent friends or to commemorate significant events.
- Endurance and toughness: Zinnias are hardy plants that can withstand hot summer weather. Thus, they symbolize resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
- Friendship: Giving zinnias is a way to show affection towards a friend, symbolizing the bonds of friendship and the joy that companions bring into one's life.
- Daily remembrance: Their ability to bloom for a long time makes zinnias a symbol for daily remembrance of absent friends. They encourage us to keep friends who are no longer nearby in our thoughts.
- Heartfelt honesty: Some believe that zinnias symbolize speaking the truth from the heart, encouraging straightforwardness and sincerity.
- Affection: The vibrant, colorful blooms of the zinnia represent a strong and open-hearted affection, making them a popular choice for bouquets when you want to show love and appreciation.
- Constancy: Their long-lasting nature also signifies constancy, suggesting that one's feelings remain steady over time much like the enduring flowers.
- Goodness: The bright appearance of zinnias is said to symbolize purity of the heart and goodness, signifying a clear intention and a kind disposition.
WaterCommon zinnias, including the 'Magellan Orange', prefer to be watered deeply, which means the water should reach deep into the soil where the roots are. Typically, watering once a week with about one inch of water is sufficient, but during hot, dry periods, they may need more frequent watering to keep the soil moist. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Adjusting the watering to account for rainfall is important, subtracting the amount of natural precipitation from the weekly watering schedule. It is always best to check the soil moisture level before watering; if the top inch of the soil is dry, it's time to water.
LightFor optimal growth, zinnias like the 'Magellan Orange' need full sun, which means they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot would be an area that is open and receives unhindered sunlight for the majority of the day. They can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will reduce blooming and can increase susceptibility to disease.
TemperatureZinnias such as 'Magellan Orange' thrive in warm conditions and prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle highs up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged temperatures outside of this range, especially cold, can be damaging to the plant.
PruningPruning zinnias, including 'Magellan Orange', is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote new flower growth. The best time for more substantial pruning or pinching is early in the season when the plant is about 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A good mix would be two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand.
RepottingZinnias, such as the common zinnia, are typically grown as annuals and do not require repotting; they are sown directly where they are to flower.
Humidity & MistingZinnias prefer moderate humidity conditions and do well in the typical humidity levels found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, direct sunlight and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering, deadhead spent blooms.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA.
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Magellan Orange' begins its life as a seed, usually planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. The seed germinates, producing a small seedling with a pair of initial leaves known as cotyledons, followed by the emergence of true leaves. As the zinnia seedling matures, it develops a strong stem and a bushy growth habit with numerous branches. Flower buds appear as the plant grows, leading to the bloom of the characteristic vibrant orange flowers during the summer months. After pollination, often by bees or butterflies, the flowers will produce seeds in a small, dry, multi-chambered fruit. Upon reaching maturity, the plant will eventually wither with the first frosts of autumn or winter, completing its annual cycle, leaving behind seeds which can start the life cycle anew if left to self-sow or collected for future planting.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
Zinnia elegans 'Magellan Orange', commonly known as the Magellan Zinnia, is typically propagated through its seeds. The optimal time for sowing Zinnia seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up; this ensures the best germination rate and healthy growth of the young plants. Sowing the seeds directly into the garden is preferred because Zinnias have delicate roots that can be damaged by transplanting. To propagate, sprinkle the seeds over fertile, well-draining soil at a depth of about a quarter of an inch (about 6 millimeters) and gently press them into place. Water the area lightly to moisten it without causing the seeds to displace. Under the right conditions, which include plenty of sunlight and a soil temperature around 75°F (about 24°C), seeds usually germinate within 5 to 24 days. Thin the seedlings once they've sprouted so that they are spaced roughly 6 to 18 inches apart (15 to 46 centimeters) allowing each plant enough space to grow and flourish.
