Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade' (Short Stuff Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Zinnia elegans 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade' from the Short Stuff Series showcases vibrant cherry-colored petals that are known for their lustrous, rich hue. The blossoms exhibit a layered structure with multiple rows of petals encircling a visible, distinct eye which often displays a contrasting color. These petals are usually dense and overlapping, creating a full, rounded appearance to each flower head. The plant bears these flower heads atop strong stems, which are clothed in lance-shaped leaves. The foliage presents as a deep green, which serves as a fetching backdrop for the vivid blooms. The overall aspect of this Zinnia variety is one of brightness and abundance, with the continual production of flowers creating a showy display throughout its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Youth-And-Old-Age, Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia, Common Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia elegans.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning from Zinnias, including the Zinnia 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade'. Accidental ingestion is not likely to cause serious harm or symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always recommended to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Zinnias are also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. This includes the Zinnia 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade'. While eating this plant is unlikely to result in serious illness, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume a large amount. It's always a good practice to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating any ornamental plants unnecessarily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cherry
Height
10 inches [25 cm]
Spread
8 inches [20 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zinnia elegans 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade' is known for being easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Colorful Blooms: Offers vibrant cherry-red flowers that add a splash of color to garden beds and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, providing color from early summer until the first frost.
- Compact Size: As part of the Short Stuff Series, it has a smaller stature, which is ideal for container gardening or for use in smaller spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant of drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization.
- Excellent Cut Flowers: The sturdy stems and vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in flower beds, borders, containers, and as part of a mass planting for visual impact.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnia elegans 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade' can be used as a natural fabric dye by using the petals to create a range of pink to lavender colors, which can produce unique patterns on textiles.
- The petals of Zinnia elegans can be incorporated into homemade paper for a decorative touch, adding color and texture to the final product.
- Pressed zinnia flowers from this variety can be used in artistic creations such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or in resin jewelry, providing a vibrant and long-lasting burst of color.
- The strong stems of Zinnia elegans make them suitable for use in lightweight garden structures, such as plant supports or decorative trellises when dried.
- Dried zinnia petals can be mixed into potpourri blends to add color and a mild, pleasant scent to a room.
- Zinnia elegans can be used in educational projects, such as illustrating the life cycle of a plant from seed to flower to seed again, making them a valuable tool for teachers and parents.
- The blooms of Zinnia elegans can serve as a colorful topping for salads and desserts when used as edible flowers, though one should be certain they are free from pesticides and other chemicals.
- Whole Zinnia elegans plants can be used to create a natural dye for Easter eggs, crafting a diverse palette of shades depending on the color of the blooms used.
- Zinnia elegans blooms can be a source of inspiration for artists, who may use the flowers as reference for paintings, drawings, or digital art for their unique shapes and colors.
- These zinnias can be used as an all-natural confetti in celebrations, as the colorful, biodegradable petals are environmentally friendly compared to traditional plastic confetti.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Thoughts of Absent Friends: Zinnias, in general, symbolize thoughts of absent friends because of their long-lasting nature, suggesting the memory of friends remains despite any physical distance.
- Endurance: The robustness and ability of zinnias to flourish in various conditions represent endurance and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Diversity: Zinnia elegans comes in a variety of colors, reflecting the diversity of beauty in nature as well as in human relationships.
- Everlasting Affection: As a flower that can bloom for a long time, zinnias can signify everlasting affection towards someone.
- Daily Remembrance: The flower symbolizes daily remembrance due to its daily blooming habit, encouraging us to cherish each moment and the people in our lives.
- Friendship: Zinnias represent friendship because they are commonly given between friends as a symbol of affection and platonic love.
- In Memory of Someone Special: Due to their association with remembrance, zinnias can be used to honor and remember someone who has passed away.
WaterWhen watering common zinnias, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering once or twice a week with one to two gallons of water per square foot should suffice, depending on the local climate and weather conditions. During particularly hot or dry periods, they may require more frequent watering. Always water zinnias at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps prevent disease. Adjust your watering schedule according to the plant’s needs, observing the soil moisture level to prevent overwatering.
LightCommon zinnias thrive in a location where they can receive full sun for at least six to eight hours a day. Placing them in a spot with ample sunlight encourages robust growth and abundant flowering. Avoid areas with shadowing from larger plants or structures, as this can impair their development and bloom production.
TemperatureCommon zinnias prefer warm conditions and thrive in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will not tolerate frost, as they are sensitive to cold. Ideal growing conditions are warm and do not subject the zinnias to extreme heat or cold.
PruningPruning common zinnias encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the summer. The best time to prune for shaping is in the early summer when the plants are about 6 to 8 inches tall, by pinching out the tops to encourage branching. Make sure to sterilize your cutting tools to prevent disease spread.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias thrive in a rich, well-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7.5. For the best soil mix, combine equal parts peat, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingZinnias are typically not repotted as they are annual plants, best sown directly where they are to flower or started in biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance.
Humidity & MistingZinnias prefer moderate to low humidity levels. They are quite adaptable but care should be taken to avoid excessively humid conditions which can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air circulation, and a well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after frost, in fertile, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade', commonly known as zinnia, begins its life as a seed that, when planted in a warm, well-drained soil and exposed to full sun, will sprout within 5 to 7 days. The seedlings grow rapidly and develop true leaves, reaching a compact size suitable for small space gardening or borders. As an annual, zinnia moves quickly to the flowering stage, producing vibrant cherry-colored blossoms often within 60 days post germination, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers fade, and the plant sets seeds in the form of dry capsules, completing the reproductive stage. Towards the end of the growing season, zinnia plants will senesce and die, dropping their seeds to the ground if not deadheaded, potentially giving rise to new plants the following season. Gardeners often collect these seeds to replant the next year, continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Zinnia elegans 'Short Stuff Cherry Shade', more commonly known simply as zinnia, is popularly propagated through seeds. The optimal time to propagate zinnias by seed is after the last frost date in spring when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently, ideally above 70°F (about 21°C). To propagate zinnias, seeds should be sown directly into the garden bed or container where they will grow, as zinnias do not respond well to transplanting. Seeds should be planted at a shallow depth, about a quarter of an inch (6 millimeters) deep, and spaced according to the seed packet recommendations, usually a few inches apart to allow for growth. They will germinate typically within 7 to 10 days if kept moist and under the right temperature conditions. Once seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be thinned out to prevent overcrowding, enhancing air circulation and reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
