Zinnia Profusion Orange Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' (PBR) (Profusion Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' (PBR) from the Profusion Series is a vibrant and showy plant known for its bright orange flowers. These blooms have a daisy-like appearance, typically with a single layer of petals that radiate around a central eye, often a deeper or contrasting color that adds to the flower's eye-catching quality. The petals are usually a bold, rich orange that can add a splash of warmth to any garden setting. The foliage is generally green and can provide a lovely backdrop that accentuates the brilliance of the flowers. Due to the plant's profuse blooming habit, the orange blossoms often cover the plant, creating a stunning, dense display of color. The overall appearance of Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' is one of joyful exuberance, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of brightness to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Orange Zinnia, Profusion Orange Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' (PBR) (Profusion Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They are not known to contain any substances that are poisonous when touched or ingested. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning are expected if any part of the Zinnia plant is ingested. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can still occur, so it is always advised to use caution.
To pets
Zinnias are generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. They do not contain harmful substances that would cause poisoning in animals if ingested. Pets that consume parts of a Zinnia plant are not expected to show symptoms of toxicity. Nonetheless, it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants as digestive upset may occur due to the ingestion of non-food items.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Provides vibrant color – Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' offers bright, bold orange flowers that add a splash of color to any garden setting.
- Attracts pollinators – The blooms draw in butterflies and bees, promoting pollination in your garden.
- Drought-tolerant – Once established, these zinnias are relatively tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to grow – Known for their hardiness, these flowers are easy to care for, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long flowering period – They have a long blooming season, from late spring until frost, providing extended visual interest.
- Low maintenance – Requires minimal upkeep compared to many other garden flowers, with no need for deadheading.
- Resistant to diseases – Zinnia 'Profusion Orange' is bred for resistance to common zinnia diseases like mildew, extending its healthy lifespan.
- Versatile use – Suitable for borders, containers, and as a mass planting, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Works well in cut flower arrangements – Sturdy stems and a long vase life make them a great choice for bouquets and indoor display.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The vibrant orange petals of Zinnia can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, adding a touch of organic color to textiles.
- Art and Craft: Zinnia petals are also popular in pressed flower art, where they can add vivid color and texture to a variety of craft projects.
- Floral Water: Fragrant zinnia petals can be steeped in water to create a lightly scented floral water for room sprays or linens.
- Garden Marker: The sturdy stems of Zinnia plants can be repurposed as natural plant markers in the garden for organization.
- Educational Tool: Zinnias are fast-growing and easy to care for, making them ideal for educational projects teaching children about plant life cycles.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried zinnia flowers maintain their color well and can be used to create visually appealing potpourri mixes.
- Culinary Decoration: Fresh zinnia petals, while not widely consumed, can be used as edible decorations on salads and desserts for an extra flair.
- Photography Prop: Due to their bright colors, Zinnias can be used as an excellent subject or backdrop for floral photography.
- Memory Games: The diverse colors of Zinnia flowers can be integrated into homemade memory card games for children's learning activities.
- Plant-Based Confetti: Dried zinnia petals can serve as a biodegradable confetti option for eco-friendly celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not specifically mentioned in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnias, in general, symbolize remembrance. They are often used to keep alive the memory of lost friends or family members.
- Endurance: The 'Profusion' series of Zinnias, including the 'Profusion Orange', are known for their robust nature and long-lasting blooms, making them a symbol of endurance and persistence.
- Friendship: These flowers are also commonly associated with friendship due to their bright and cheerful appearance, reminiscent of the joy brought about by good companions.
- Daily Remembrance: The vibrant orange hue of the 'Profusion Orange' Zinnia can serve as a daily reminder of good times and a prompt to live in the present.
- Affection: In some cultures, gifting Zinnias is a way to show affection for someone, as they represent thoughts of absent friends.
WaterZinnias should be watered deeply a few times a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. For 'Profusion Orange' zinnias, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim to water the plants early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before evening, which helps prevent disease. During hot, dry spells, zinnias may need watering every other day. As a general guideline, provide about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot over that period.
Light'Profusion Orange' zinnias thrive in full sun locations where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for these plants is an area with clear exposure to the sun, avoiding any significant shade from trees or buildings. Sufficient light is crucial for vibrant blooms and healthy plant growth.
Temperature'Profusion Orange' zinnias prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to frost. The optimal growing temperature range for these flowers is between 60°F to 85°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 50°F and maximum temperatures nearing 100°F but will stop thriving if conditions go beyond these thresholds.
PruningPruning 'Profusion Orange' zinnias encourages continuous flowering and helps maintain plant health. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, should be done regularly to promote further blooming. Light pruning to shape the zinnias can be done as needed throughout the blooming season, with the best time for more extensive cuts being in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite would be ideal for Zinnia 'Profusion Orange'. Regular fertilization will help maintain vigorous growth and flowering.
RepottingZinnia 'Profusion Orange' is typically grown as an annual, so repotting is not usually necessary. Instead, plants are started fresh each growing season from seeds or young plants.
Humidity & MistingZinnia 'Profusion Orange' is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions; however, it prefers moderate humidity. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so good air circulation is important.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright light and well-ventilated area.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia 'Profusion Orange', commonly known as Profusion Orange Zinnia, starts its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given warmth and light, germinates within 7-10 days. The seedlings rapidly develop true leaves and enter a vegetative growth stage, where they form a bushy mound of foliage. As they mature, flower buds develop and bloom into striking orange, daisy-like flowers with a long flowering period from early summer until the first hard frost. During peak bloom, the plant is actively involved in reproduction, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies which facilitate cross-pollination. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds that mature, which can be harvested and stored or left on the plant to self-sow. Eventually, as temperatures drop towards winter or in response to other adverse conditions, the annual Profusion Orange Zinnia completes its cycle, withers, and dies, relying on its seeds for propagation in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zinnia 'Profusion Orange', commonly known as Zinnia, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Zinnia seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Sow the seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date for a head start. When sowing, lightly cover the seeds with soil as they need darkness to germinate. Germination typically occurs within 5 to 24 days. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the germination period. Once the seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves and are about 3 inches (7.62 cm) tall, they can be thinned or transplanted to stand 8-18 inches (20-46 cm) apart to allow adequate space for growth.
