Zinnia elegans 'Orange King' (d)

RHS Plant Profile
zinnia 'Orange King'
Annual Biennial

A bushy, half-hardy annual, with semi-double flowers in dazzling orange, gradually deepening to scarlet in their centres, creating a two toned effect. These are produced on long stems above mid-green foliage 90cm (36in) high, making the plants ideal to grow for cut flowers, as well as in a wildlife garden, where they will attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

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
  • Wall side borders

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