What do zinnia flowers look like

If some of your plants are infected with mildew -- a grayish, powdery-looking mold on the leaves -- collect seeds from the ones that aren't, as they are obviously more disease-resistant. Remove the flower heads by snipping them off the plant with sterilized pruners. Removing spent flowers allows the plant to branch out and produce more blooms. Once the flower heads are completely brown and dry, grasp the petals and pull them out of the center of the flower.

Water regularly, for a total of about 1 inch per week. Although they can tolerate dry conditions, they will do much better with consistent moisture in the soil. Keep excess moisture away from the foliage by watering at the base of the plant; this will help keep your plant healthy and prevent disease.

Seeds are easy to save by letting the flowers dry completely on the stem. Remove seeds by lightly crushing the dried seed head. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for planting next spring. Keep in mind, however, that seeds saved from hybrid plants may not develop true to the parent plant.

Bacterial and fungal spots, powdery mildew and bacterial wilt can all be troublesome for zinnias. Keeping the foliage dry and providing good air circulation will go a long way toward prevention. Zinnias can also be host to caterpillars, mealybugs and spider mites.

Try cultivars from the Profusion series for increased resistance to powdery mildew. Love annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees? Learn more, along with timely planting advice, garden design inspiration, tips and more in our weekly newsletter. The Profusion series is self-cleaning and has improved disease resistance to mildew. These heat-loving annuals bloom profusely hence, the name from spring until frost and are available in multiple colors. The Zahara series boasts superior disease resistance and heat tolerance.

The intermediate size of the Zahara series makes it perfect for mid-level planting or containers. Read on for our guide to choosing between different zinnia species and bloom types. There are over 20 zinnia species in the wild. Only a few of these species are commonly grown in gardens, though due to the incredible popularity of these flowers, they have been bred into hundreds of different cultivars and hybrids.

This means you can find a zinnia in pretty much any color scheme you desire, with different patterns, shapes, and sizes ranging from a few inches to several feet tall. Want to learn more about growing these magnificent annuals? Check out our full guide to growing zinnias. The majority of cultivars originate from the species Zinnia elegans.

Native to Mexico, the wild plant produces single flower heads about two inches in length, with purple petals surrounding black and yellow central discs. The true species is not easy to find, however, since it has interbred with escaped cultivated varieties that have naturalized around the world.

Other cultivated varieties originate from the narrow leafed zinnia, Z. It has single white, yellow, and orange flowers that are a bit smaller in size, an inch or two across, on plants eight to 18 inches tall.

Plants grow about 15 inches in height. Both Z. When selecting types to grow in your garden, it is useful to note that depending on the cultivar, zinnias can have single, semi-double, or fully double flowers, as well as dahlia, globe, and cactus flower forms. One last reason to plant zinnias year after year: they're butterfly magnets. The bigger-flowered varieties act like landing pads for nectar-seeking butterflies.

Same goes for hummingbirds. Try tall zinnias with red or hot pink flowers to get the biggest draw. Karen Zaworski is a garden writer and photographer who lives and gardens in Oak Park, Illinois. Skip to main content. Zinnias work fast.

Zinnias work wherever you need color. Aside from fresh color, many new zinnia series offer height and width options, too. While the tall versions of Zinnia elegans remain the classic choice for the back of the border, shorter series now challenge the low ground once ceded to marigolds and petunias.

The Magellan Series stay close to knee high at 14 inches, while the Thumbelina Series of dwarf zinnias peak at 6 to 8 inches. 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.