Zinnia aka Enchantress Zinnia

Taxonomy

Zinnia is a genus of plants belonging to the tribe Heliantheae within the family Asteraceae. They are native to scrub and dry grassland areas, spanning from the Southwestern United States to South America, with Mexico being a center of diversity. These plants are known for their vibrant, solitary flowers with 12 petals that come in various bright colors. The genus is named after the renowned German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. Zinnia species can be bushy deciduous annuals, featuring dark green foliage and tall stems up to 90cm in height. Their large, dark red flowers bloom from summer through autumn. Zinnias are also part of the sunflower tribe within the daisy family. They are primarily found in scrub and dry grassland regions, extending from the Southwestern United States to South America. These plants are admired for their colorful flowers and can be annuals, shrubs, or sub-shrubs. They are primarily native to North America, with a few species found in South America. Zinnias vary in height, ranging from 10 to 100 cm, and have opposite leaves that come in different shades of green. The flowers display a range of appearances, from a single row of petals to a dome shape. Zinnias can be found in shades of white, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac. With their easy cultivation and abundant blooms, zinnias bring bursts of vibrant color to gardens.

Common names

Enchantress Zinnia, Zinnia

How to care for Enchantress Zinnia

Difficulty

Caring for Enchantress Zinnia is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Enchantress Zinnia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Enchantress Zinnia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Enchantress Zinnia requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Zinnia is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Enchantress Zinnia grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia