Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince' (d)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince', commonly known as the Purple Prince Zinnia, is a vibrant and showy flowering annual plant. It is renowned for its large, bold blooms that make a striking statement in any garden. Each flower is characterized by a lush, deep purple hue that can appear almost velvety in texture. The petals of the Purple Prince Zinnia boast a dahlia-like shape, with multiple layers that create a full, rounded overall appearance. In the center of these blooms, you can typically find a visible, eye-catching contrast with a small cluster of paler stamens, often displaying shades ranging from purple to yellow, which adds to the flower's ornamental value. The foliage of the Purple Prince Zinnia is also noteworthy, with leaves that are typically a bright, refreshing green. These leaves are lance-shaped and have a slightly rough texture to the touch, with clearly defined veins running through them. They provide a lovely backdrop that further accentuates the beauty of the purple blossoms. Overall, the Purple Prince Zinnia carries itself with a lively presence and is a favorite for attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Its bold purple flowers are known to bloom generously throughout the growing season, offering a continuous display of color and vibrancy. This plant is often used in garden beds and borders for its striking visual appeal and is also popular as a cut flower due to its long stems and eye-catching blooms.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Purple Prince Zinnia, Common Zinnia, Youth-and-old-age, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Zinnia violacea 'Purple Prince', Crassina elegans 'Purple Prince', Crassina elegans var. elegans 'Purple Prince'.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia, which is the common name of Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince,' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, sensitivity can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience mild irritation if they come in contact with the plant, particularly if they have sensitive skin or allergies. Ingesting parts of the plant is not known to cause significant poisoning, but as with any non-food plants, consumption is not recommended and might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting due to the plant's fibrous material and potential for causing mechanical irritation.
To pets
Zinnia, the common name for Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince,' is known to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If pets ingest parts of the zinnia plant, they typically do not experience serious symptoms of poisoning. However, it's not uncommon for some pets to have a mild gastrointestinal reaction, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if they consume a large amount of the plant, as it is not a part of their usual diet. These symptoms are generally self-limiting and do not require medical attention unless severe or persistent.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince' adds vibrant purple hues to gardens and landscapes, offering aesthetic enhancement.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive.
- Pollinator Attraction: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, promoting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: The Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince' will bloom for an extended season, providing long-lasting color.
- Heat Tolerance: It is well-suited to hot climates and can handle summer heat with ease.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Fast Growing: The plant grows relatively quickly, allowing for rapid garden filling and gratification.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, flower beds, and as a cut flower in arrangements.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a broad range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a colorful mulch substitute, Zinnia petals can be dried and scattered around the base of other plants, adding aesthetic appeal while helping to retain soil moisture.
- Zinnia flowers can be pressed and used in decorative crafts such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage projects, providing a natural and vibrant embellishment.
- The petals of Zinnias can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a splash of color; although they have a mild scent, they boost the visual appeal of the mixture.
- In eco-friendly confetti, dried Zinnia petals can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti at events.
- Zinnias can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, the life cycle of flowering plants, and the importance of pollinators in gardens.
- As natural dye, Zinnia petals can be boiled to extract pigments for coloring fabrics, yarn, or paper, offering a range of pink to purple hues.
- Zinnia plants can act as a living trellis for climbing plants; the sturdy stems of taller varieties provide support for lightweight vines.
- Photographers can utilize Zinnias as a picturesque backdrop or as a subject in macro photography due to their bright colors and intricate petal patterns.
- In the creation of a sensory garden, Zinnias’ vibrant colors and mild fragrance can contribute to a stimulating multi-sensory experience for visitors.
- As a natural pest management strategy, Zinnias can attract predatory insects that help control pest populations in gardens and farms.
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 and remembrance: Zinnias carry the meaning of remembering absent friends and are traditionally given to someone who has lost a friend or family member.
- Endurance: Known for their ability to withstand heat and drought, zinnias are associated with endurance and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Daily remembrance: The zinnia represents an enduring affection that lasts every day, making it a symbol for steadfastness.
- Friendship: The zinnia is often a symbol of lasting friendship, representing the idea of friends who support each other through thick and thin.
- Uniqueness: With its wide range of colors and shapes, the zinnia symbolizes our unique individuality and reminds us to celebrate our differences.
- Affection: Zinnias speak of thoughtful affection and are given as a sign of a deep, yet platonic, bond between two people.
- Absence: A flower to represent the sentiment of thinking of a friend or loved one in their absence, showing that they are missed.
WaterZinnias should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; about an inch of water per week is ideal. During hot, dry periods, water once or twice a week, providing enough water to soak the first 8-12 inches of soil. It's best to water in the morning, so the foliage has time to dry during the day, which helps prevent diseases. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew, using a soaker hose or watering at the base of the plant instead. If you're container gardening, check the soil moisture daily and water when the top inch feels dry.
LightZinnias require full sunlight, which means they thrive when provided with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for the Purple Prince Zinnia is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day, allowing for the most vibrant bloom production. Avoid planting in areas with too much shade, as this can decrease the number of flowers and make the plant more susceptible to disease.
TemperatureZinnias, or Purple Prince, prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to frost. They can survive in temperatures as low as 60°F but flourish best in a range between 74°F and 84°F. The plant should not be placed outside until all danger of frost is past, as temperatures below 60°F can harm the plant. Always ensure the temperatures remain above the minimum threshold to maintain healthy growth.
PruningPruning zinnias, or Purple Prince, encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead or remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. The best time for more extensive pruning is midseason; this rejuvenates the plants for a fall flush of flowers. Snip off a few of the taller stems to spur new growth, but always leave some foliage for photosynthesis.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Purple Prince Zinnia should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts promotes healthy growth.
RepottingPurple Prince Zinnias are annuals and do not typically require repotting as they will complete their life cycle within one growing season.
Humidity & MistingPurple Prince Zinnias prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can thrive in average outdoor humidity conditions without needing special attention.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space 6-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe common garden zinnia, Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince', begins its life as a seed which, when sown, will typically germinate within 5 to 7 days under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first set of true leaves after the initial pair of cotyledons. As it grows, the plant enters the vegetative stage, producing a sturdy stem and a profusion of leaves, gathering energy through photosynthesis. Upon maturity, it develops vibrant, purple flower heads throughout the summer, signaling the onset of the reproductive stage, during which pollination occurs. Once pollinated, the flowers will fade, and the plant forms seed heads, containing numerous seeds for the next generation. Finally, as the growing season ends and temperatures drop, the zinnia reaches senescence, completing its annual life cycle, with its seeds remaining dormant until the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Zinnia elegans 'Purple Prince', commonly known as Purple Prince Zinnia, is most commonly propagated through seeds. This method is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. To propagate by seeds, begin by sowing them directly into the garden soil after the threat of frost has passed, typically in late spring. Alternatively, for an earlier start, you can sow the seeds indoors in seed starting mix approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant the seeds at a depth of about a quarter of an inch (0.25 inches) deep, which is about 6 millimeters, providing consistent moisture and warmth until germination, which usually occurs in 5 to 7 days. Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle and there is no longer a risk of frost, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden, ensuring they have ample sunlight and good soil drainage to thrive.
