Zinnia elegans

Zinnia elegans is commonly known as Zinnia. Its area of distribution lies in central to tropical America, in areas with tropical to subtropical climates. Zinnia elegans is an annual herb. It grows to between 30 cm and 1 metre high, with a width of up to 25 cm. It is fairly fast growing. The deciduous foliage is green, and the leaves are entire, with an ovate to cordate shape. It develops 2 cm flower heads composed of tongue-like petals. The colours are highly variegated, ranging from yellow to orange and red. Flowering continues many months up to the time of frost. The fruits are achenes. Propagation is by direct sowing or self-seeding. Pruning requirements are minimal, while irrigation requirements are moderate. Zinnia elegans does not appreciate stagnant water or high salinity, but thrives in sunny locations. In landscape design, it is useful as an edging plant, groundcover, grouped or massed planting. This Zinnia is an attractive ornamental plant that creates appealing effects in urban design, as park planting, in pedestrian precincts, in small managed roof gardens, in containers and in private gardens. In Arriyadh, Zinnias make a very colourful winter display; they are often planted from November onwards in the Diplomatic Quarter, for example.