Summer Sizzler - 6. Zinnia, Zinnia Elegans

Here is the sixth one of Great Summer Sizzlers series which I have started last year. Plant it and be cool all summer along with lovely flowers.

Zinnia 

Botanical name: Zinnia elegans 

 Want fast color for just pennies? Plant zinnias! A packet of seeds will fill an area with gorgeous flowers in an amazing array of shapes and colors -- even green! And it will happen in just weeks. There are dwarf types of zinnias, tall types, quill-leaf cactus types, spider types, multicolor, special seed blends for cutting, special blends for attracting butterflies, and more.

Zinnias are so highly attractive to butterflies that you can count on having these fluttering guests dining in your garden every afternoon. But to attract the most, plant lots of tall, red or hot pink zinnias in a large patch. 'Big Red' is especially nice for this, and the flowers are outstanding, excellent for cutting. Zinnias grow quickly from seed sown right in the ground and do best in full sun with dry to well-drained soil.

The compact cultivar 'Thumbelina' is perfect for pots. Brightly colored, button like blooms adorn this truly dwarf zinnia variety. It flowers all summer long in a wide range of colors.

Originally coming from Mexico, this is a very popular flower, with its wide range of colours and sizes. Many varieties differing in weight, shape, size and colour have been evolved. The leaves are oval and rough textured. There are single, semi-double or double flowers and the colours range from white, cream, yellow, orange over rose, purple scarlet, maroon, to lilac, lavender, magenta, mauve, salmon to violet. Grown as tall (75 - 90 cm), medium (45 - 60 cm) and dwarf (15 - 45 cm) varieties, Zinnias are suitable for beds, borders, and pots. The cut flowers are commonly used in flower arrangements. They are grown by seeds and survive best in light and medium loam soils, rich in organic matter and in a sunny environment. Frequent and heavy watering is required. Generally, there is no damage from insects. 

Growing Zinnia

Light:                                      Sun

Type:                                      Annual

Height:                                   From 1 to 8 feet

Width:                                    1 feet wide

Flower Color:                        Pink, Red, Orange, White

Seasonal Features:             Fall Bloom, Summer Bloom

Special Features:                 Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance

Hope you enjoy the beauty!!

Happy Gardening and Always Live your Passion!! 

Shared with ABC Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Today's flower, Floral Flower Fotos, Ruby Tuesday Too , Outdoor Wednesday and Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day.