Zinnia Zinnia elegans 'Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow' (Swizzle Series) (d)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans 'Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow' from the Swizzle Series is a strikingly vibrant plant that boasts unique, bicolored flowers. Each bloom presents a bold contrast, with a fiery scarlet red on the outer petals that gradually blend into a bright, sunny yellow toward the center. This captivating color combination draws the eye and makes the flowers stand out effectively in any garden setting. The flowers are characterized by a classic zinnia shape with a single layer of ray petals radiating around a central eye, creating a daisy-like appearance that is both tidy and cheerful. The attractive foliage that serves as a backdrop to these stunning flowers is typically mid-green in color and has a shape that complements the blooms. Leaves are often lance-shaped or slightly ovate, with a texture that can range from smooth to slightly hairy. When in full bloom, the Zinnia 'Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow' holds its flowers aloft on sturdy stems, creating a dazzling display that not only adds color but also an inviting texture to the landscape. The bold coloration of the blooms also makes them excellent candidates for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors. The overall appearance of this plant is that of a colorful, happy, and well-structured flowering annual, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of pizzazz to their flower beds or containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Youth-and-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Zinnia elegans, Zinnia violacea.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are generally not considered toxic to humans. If ingested, they are not known to cause poisoning or serious adverse health consequences. However, as with any plant not intended for consumption, individual sensitivity or an allergic reaction cannot be ruled out.
To pets
Zinnias are generally considered non-toxic to pets. They should not cause any harmful effects if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. Like humans, pets could experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume a significant amount of the plant, but serious toxicity is not expected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9-11
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Colorful Display: Zinnia elegans offers vibrant scarlet and yellow blooms that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to cultivate, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants have relatively low water requirements and can tolerate dry conditions.
- Long Blooming Period: Zinnias have a lengthy flowering season that can last from late spring until the first frost, providing continuous color.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and deadheading to encourage more blooms.
- Versatility in Use: They can be used in flower beds, borders, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements due to their long stems and vibrant colors.
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 can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from yellow to orange depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of Zinnia elegans can be pressed and used in art projects or to create botanical prints, adding a touch of nature to handmade paper or fabrics.
- These flowers can be dried and used in potpourri mixes, imparting their color and a subtle fragrance to the mixture.
- Zinnia elegans can serve as a natural pest deterrent in the garden when planted alongside vegetables, due to its ability to attract beneficial insects.
- The stems and flowers can be used in the practice of flower pounding, a technique where the colors and shapes are transferred onto fabric or paper.
- Zinnia elegans can be incorporated into educational programs for children, teaching them about the lifecycle of plants and the importance of pollinators.
- The blooms of Zinnia elegans can be used for flower confetti at events and celebrations, which is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- Zinnia elegans can be used in the creation of natural inks for drawing, which artists can extract from the petals for a range of hues.
- Petals of Zinnia elegans can be used as a natural colorant in homemade cosmetics like bath bombs and soaps, adding a vibrant splash of color.
- These flowers can be used as an educational tool for photographers and artists, providing a subject to practice close-up shots and color studies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnias are often associated with the remembrance of absent friends, making them a symbol for keeping fond memories close to one’s heart.
- Endurance: Due to their ability to withstand hot temperatures and bloom throughout the season, zinnias represent endurance and persistence.
- Daily remembrance: In the Victorian language of flowers, zinnias carry the message of daily remembrance, implying that one is constantly on another's mind.
- Friendship: With their bright and cheerful appearance, zinnias are considered a symbol of friendship and affection, representing the bonds we share with others.
- Goodwill: The vibrant appearance of the zinnia can also symbolize goodwill, suggesting benevolence and the desire to be on good terms with others.
WaterZinnias should be watered deeply a few times a week, ensuring the soil has time to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Water your Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow Zinnias at the base to avoid getting the foliage wet, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the peak growing season, they typically require about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Adjust the amount during particularly hot or dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture, which may mean increasing to 2 gallons per week depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage.
LightZinnias thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. For the Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow Zinnias, plant them in a spot where they'll receive plenty of light without any shade to ensure vibrant blooms and a healthy growing plant. Avoid placing them in areas with too much shade, as this can reduce flowering and make the plants leggy.
TemperatureZinnias are warm-season flowers that prefer temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow Zinnias can handle temperatures up to 100°F but will start to suffer if temperatures drop consistently below 50°F. It's best to plant them when you're sure there's no more risk of frost, and they can grow through the warmer months until the first fall frost.
PruningPruning your Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow Zinnias encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the plants when they are young to promote branching and remove spent flowers regularly (deadheading) to extend the blooming period. The best time to prune is in the early morning or late evening, and it can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilZinnias prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost or other organic matter. A balanced loamy soil mix, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, is ideal for Common Zinnias. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
RepottingCommon Zinnias are usually grown as annuals, so repotting is not typically required. Instead, they are sown directly where they are to flower, as they do not like root disturbance.
Humidity & MistingCommon Zinnias thrive in moderate to low humidity levels and do not require high humidity; average room humidity is sufficient for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in full sun with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, consistent watering.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Zinnia elegans 'Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow' begins with seed germination, which occurs when conditions are warm and there is adequate moisture, typically in the spring or early summer. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the cotyledons, followed by the first true leaves as the plant establishes its root system. The vegetative stage sees the plant growing in height and producing a robust stem and more leaves, preparing for flowering. During the flowering stage, the plant develops vibrant scarlet and yellow blooms that attract pollinators and can last several weeks. After pollination, the plant enters the fruiting stage where it produces seeds, ensuring the next generation. Finally, as temperatures drop or conditions become less favorable, Zinnia elegans enters senescence and dies, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as zinnia, is best propagated through its seeds. The ideal time to start seed propagation is after the last frost of spring when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. To propagate zinnias by seed, simply sow the seeds about a quarter inch deep in well-draining soil, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for growth. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 5-7 days. Once the seedlings have grown and the danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into the garden or larger pots. Seed propagation not only is the most popular method due to its simplicity and high success rate but also allows gardeners to preserve the distinctiveness of the 'Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow' variety.
