Zinnia elegans 'Desert Sun'

RHS Plant Profile
zinnia 'Desert Sun'

Synonyms

Zinnia 'Desert Sun'

Award of Garden Merit
Annual Biennial

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.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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