What kind of plant is a Zinnia angustifolia?
More commonly known as Narrowleaf Zinnia (or sometimes as Creeping zinnia), Zinnia angustifolia can either be an annual or perrenial plant, and is naturally a native of Mexico. As a low maintenance and drought tolerant plant it is of great use in the garden in beds, borders, or for coverage.
How tall does a creeping zinnia plant grow?
Creeping zinnia is a clumping, annual flowering plant in the Asteraceae (aster) family and native to northern and western Mexico. It typically grows 8 to 16 inches tall. The zinnia is named in honor of Johann Gottfried Zinn, a German botanist. Plant in full sun in well-draining to slightly dry clay or loam soils.
What kind of flowers do Zinnia have in the summer?
Zinnia carries branching stems and smooth, thin-leaved foliage. These summer staples are compact and bushy. Bright orange, yellow, white, red, and pink blooms fill the garden from early summer through to the frost. Orange Zinnia angustifolia flower, photograph by Eric Savage; CC.
Can a zinnia be grown in a container?
Zinnias are a popular mainstay of the annual flower garden, grown from seed to fill the flowerbeds with vibrant color. Blooms sit atop tall stalks perfect for cutting, or dwarf plants are suited to growing in containers.
Which is the best Zinnia for a raised bed?
Creeping or spreading Zinnia angustifolia, such as the Crystal Series, are a revelation for the front of the border, raised beds, containers, and even ground covers. This Mexican native is the go-to species for hot spots like sidewalk beds or that no-man’s-land beside the garage, since it’s even more drought tolerant than common zinnias.
What does the flower head of a zinnia look like?
As it turns out, the flowers change as they become older. The zinnia flower head starts out as a tightly closed bud. When the flower head first opens, it is deep, bright orange, almost scarlet. As the flower head matures, it becomes a medium orange.
Are there any zinnias that are resistant to powdery mildew?
Like Zaharas, the Profusion Series (hybrids between Z. elegans and Z. angustifolia) are resistant to the scourge of zinnias: powdery mildew. Because zinnias are native to the grasslands of the southwestern states, Mexico, and South America, they know how to handle dry conditions.