Zinnia elegans 'Desert Sun'
zinnia 'Desert Sun'
A tall, bushy, half-hardy annual, with double yellow flowers, appearing on stems up to 90cm (36in) tall. above lance-shaped mid-green foliage. A useful plant to grow for cut flowers, as well as for including in a wildlife garden, where the flowers will attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Zinnia can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with branching stems bearing opposite leaves and solitary terminal flower-heads in summer
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in a warm, sunny position
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in spring or, in warm areas, sown in situ in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Bedding
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot and root rot, grey moulds, fungal leaf spot and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.