Zinnia Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' (Zany Series)
ABOUT
Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' presents a stunning floral display with a distinctive two-tone color palette. The blossoms are characterized by a vibrant rose-pink hue that gracefully transitions to a crisp white edge, giving the petals a striking picotee effect, which is where the petal edges are a different color than their base. The flowers themselves are typically semi-double to double in form, offering layers of petals that invite onlookers to gaze upon their intricate pattern and bold pigmentation. The plant's foliage is comprised of lance-shaped leaves, richly green in color, which provide a lush backdrop for the vivid blooms. This type of zinnia maintains a bushy, mounded growth habit, with the flowers perched atop sturdy stems that radiate from the center of the clump. The plant's overall appearance is one of cheerfulness and brightness, often becoming a focal point in gardens or attracting butterflies and other pollinators with its colorful presence. Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' is a must-have for gardeners seeking a visually appealing and easy-to-grow flower that delivers a long-lasting and delightful summer display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Zinnia, Youth-and-Age, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia.
Common names
Zinnia elegans.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' is not known to be toxic to humans. If ingested, it is unlikely to cause any poisoning or serious consequences. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience mild allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if parts of the plant are consumed. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' is also not known to be toxic to pets. If pets ingest parts of this plant, they are not likely to experience serious illness or poisoning. As with humans, some pets might have a mild digestive upset if they consume the plant, but this is not common. Always monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on any plant material to prevent the possibility of an adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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- Attracts Pollinators: Zinnias are loved by butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects which help pollinate nearby plants.
- Low Maintenance: Zinnias are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Zinnias handle drought conditions well, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Vibrant Colors: Zinnias, specifically this variety, offer a vibrant display of rose and white colors that can brighten up any garden space.
- Long Blooming Period: They have a long flowering season which ensures your garden remains colorful from late spring to frost.
- Cut Flowers: Zinnias make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life, adding a burst of color to indoor settings.
- Edible Flowers: Zinnia flowers are edible and can be used to add color and decoration to salads and desserts.
- Easy to Propagate: They can easily be propagated by seed, making it simple to create more plants for your garden or to share with friends.
- Great for Bouquets: The sturdy stems and vibrant flowers of Zinnias make them ideal for inclusion in mixed flower bouquets.
- Versatile Planting Options: Zinnias are suitable for flowerbeds, borders, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics and art projects, offering a range of pink to rose hues.
- These zinnias can be incorporated into sensory gardens for their texture and visual appeal, helping to stimulate the senses.
- The petals of the Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' can be used in potpourri mixes to add color and a light, floral fragrance.
- Zinnias can serve as educational tools in gardens and schools, demonstrating plant growth and the importance of pollinators.
- The plant can be used in photography and art projects as a subject or a backdrop due to its vibrant colors and large flowers.
- Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' petals can be used as natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- They can be used in floral crafts, such as making bookmarks or paper flower arrangements, for their bright colors and ease of drying.
- These flowers may be utilized in culinary presentations as edible garnishes, adding a splash of color to dishes and desserts.
- Zinnias can be planted as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects that help with pest control.
- They can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds, as dense planting of zinnias can help reduce weed growth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiZinnias are not typically associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityZinnias are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory and Remembrance: Zinnias are often associated with remembrance, making the Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' a symbol of keeping fond memories alive.
- Lasting Friendship: The robust nature of zinnias represents enduring friendships, suggesting that the bonds we create can survive the test of time.
- Missing Friends: Zinnias have been used to symbolize absence, indicating thoughts of friends who are missed.
- Daily Remembrance: The flower is a reminder to think of absent friends on a daily basis.
- Goodness and Affection: The vibrant and varied colors of the zinnia convey goodness and the affection that one person holds for another.
WaterZinnias require consistent moisture, so it's best to water them deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this equates to watering once a week with about one inch of water, but this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water zinnias twice a week. Be cautious not to overwater, as zinnias do not like soggy soil.
LightZinnias, including Zany Rose Picotee, thrive best in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location is a spot that gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting them in shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureZinnias prefer warm conditions and do well in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant, so the minimum temperature should not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, Zinnias should be planted after the last frost in spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Zinnias, including deadheading, encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Clip off spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering. If plants become leggy, you can prune them back by one-third in the summer to encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is during the cool part of the day, either early morning or late evening.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Zany Rose Picotee Zinnia, a well-draining soil mix is best, consisting of a combination of loam, peat, and sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Amend the soil with organic compost for optimal nutrient content.
RepottingZany Rose Picotee Zinnias, being annuals, don't typically require repotting as they complete their life cycle in one growing season. They can be sown annually or transplanted after the last frost.
Humidity & MistingZinnias, including Zany Rose Picotee, prefer low to moderate humidity levels. They thrive in open areas where air circulation is good, which helps to prevent foliar diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, direct sunlight and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun after frost, in well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' begins its life cycle from seed, typically sown in spring after the threat of frost has passed, where they germinate in warm soil. After germination, seedlings grow and develop true leaves, eventually forming a sturdy stem and a bushy structure. Flower buds form as the plant matures and soon blossom into the plant’s distinctive bright, bi-colored flowers with a rose-pink center and lighter edges during the summer months. After pollination, which is often facilitated by a variety of insects attracted to the flowers, the plant will produce seeds in a central cone-shaped structure where the flower once was. As the growing season ends, if not deadheaded, these seeds will eventually be dispersed, giving rise to new plants the following season, completing the reproduction cycle. As an annual plant, after setting seed, the Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' dies with the first frosts of fall or winter, having completed its life cycle within a single growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Zinnia 'Zany Rose Picotee' is commonly propagated by seed, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. Ideally, Zinnia seeds should be sown directly into the garden after the last frost when the soil has warmed. This typically happens in late spring to early summer, depending on the local climate. To sow the seeds, simply press them lightly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6 to 18 inches apart. After sowing, water the area gently to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Zinnia seeds usually germinate within 7 to 10 days. Full sunlight and well-draining soil are critical for the successful growth of the seedlings.
