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Zinnia angustifolia

Image of Zinnia angustifolia

Felder Rushing

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Zinnia angustifolia

Plant Common Name

Narrowleaf Zinnia

General Description

In need of a heat and sun-loving bedding annual that offers nonstop flower color all summer? Then look no further. Narrowleaf zinnia is easy to grow, tough and puts forth orange, yellow or white daisies all summer long. It originates from the open grasslands and rocky terrain of the southwestern United States and Mexico, so it is adapted to difficult growing environments.

This bushy plant has linear, green leaves and dense branching. It is a warm season annual that germinates when temperatures heat up. Blooming begins in late spring to early summer and will continue to frost if the flowers are regularly deadheaded (pruned when spent). In tropical and subtropical regions it can be planted year round. Its pretty flowers are very desirable to butterflies and will bloom well all season without deadheading, unlike other zinnias. Popular cultivars include the compact, heavy blooming, white-flowered ‘Crystal White’ and orange-flowered ‘Orange Star.’

Narrowleaf zinnia grows best in average, well-drained soil and full sun and will bloom in 6 weeks after sowing. It thrives when summer temperatures are hot, especially if provided regular water. As the summer wanes, most zinnias develop the foliar fungal disease, powdery mildew, but narrowleaf zinnias are resistant. This butterfly magnet will add color to any border and is excellent for container culture.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Annual

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    6"-24" / 15.2cm - 61.0cm

  • Width

    6"-16" / 15.2cm - 40.6cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Orange

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes