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{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants}}
{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{automatic taxobox
{{Automatic taxobox
|image = Zinnia single layer and 12 Petals 2.jpg
|image = Zinnia single layer and 12 Petals 2.jpg
|image_caption = '''Zinnia flower'''
|image_caption = ''Zinnia'' flower
|display_parents = 3
|display_parents = 3
|taxon = Zinnia
|taxon = Zinnia
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*''Crassina'' <small>Scepin</small>
*''Crassina'' <small>Scepin</small>
|synonyms_ref = <ref name=x>{{Cite web|url=http://dixon.iplantcollaborative.org/CompositaeWeb/Default.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141106174748/http://dixon.iplantcollaborative.org/CompositaeWeb/Default.aspx?Page=AdvNameSearch|archive-date=2014-11-06|url-status=dead|title=Advanced Name Search|website=Global Compositae Checklist}}</ref><ref name="GRIN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?13048 |title=Genus: ''Zinnia'' L. |work=Germplasm Resources Information Network |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |date=October 5, 2007 |access-date=October 14, 2010}}</ref>
|synonyms_ref = <ref name=x>{{Cite web|url=http://dixon.iplantcollaborative.org/CompositaeWeb/Default.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141106174748/http://dixon.iplantcollaborative.org/CompositaeWeb/Default.aspx?Page=AdvNameSearch|archive-date=2014-11-06|url-status=dead|title=Advanced Name Search|website=Global Compositae Checklist}}</ref><ref name="GRIN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?13048 |title=Genus: ''Zinnia'' L. |work=Germplasm Resources Information Network |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |date=October 5, 2007 |access-date=October 14, 2010}}</ref>
|type_species= ''[[Chrysogonum peruvianum]]''
|type_species = ''[[Chrysogonum peruvianum]]''
|type_species_authority= [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
|type_species_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
}}
}}
{{stereo image
{{stereo image
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|height = 187
|height = 187
}}
}}

'''''Zinnia''''' is a [[genus]] of plants of the sunflower tribe ([[Heliantheae]]) within the daisy family ([[Asteraceae]]).<ref>[https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/587108#page/557/mode/1up Linnaeus, Carl von. 1759. Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1189, 1221, 1377] in Latin</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tropicos.org/Name/40028566|title=Tropicos|website=www.tropicos.org}}</ref> They are native to scrub and [[dry grassland]] in an area stretching from the [[Southwestern United States]] to [[South America]], with a [[centre of diversity]] in Mexico. Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. The genus name honors German master [[botanist]] [[Johann Gottfried Zinn]] (1727–59).<ref name=y>{{Cite web|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=135326|title=Zinnia|work=Flora of North America}}</ref>
'''''Zinnia''''' is a [[genus]] of plants of the tribe [[Heliantheae]] within the family [[Asteraceae]].<ref>[https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/587108#page/557/mode/1up Linnaeus, Carl von. 1759. Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1189, 1221, 1377] in Latin</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tropicos.org/Name/40028566|title=Tropicos|website=www.tropicos.org}}</ref> They are native to scrub and [[dry grassland]] in an area stretching from the [[Southwestern United States]] to [[South America]], with a [[centre of diversity]] in Mexico. Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed 12 petal flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. The genus name honors the German scientist [[Johann Gottfried Zinn]] (1727–1759).<ref name=y>{{Cite web|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=135326|title=Zinnia|work=Flora of North America}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
Zinnias are annuals, shrubs, and sub-shrubs native primarily to [[North America]], with a few species in [[South America]].<ref name="Anderson2007">{{cite book|author=Neil Owen Anderson|title=Flower Breeding and Genetics: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kHiAe-kS92AC|date=October 2007|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-4020-6569-9}}</ref>{{rp|338-}} Most species have upright stems but some have a lax habit with spreading stems that mound over the surface of the ground. They typically range in height from 10 to 100&nbsp;cm tall (4" to 40").<ref name=y/> The leaves are opposite and usually stalkless (sessile), with a shape ranging from linear to ovate, and a color ranging from pale to medium green. The flowers have a range of appearances, from a single row of petals to a dome shape. Zinnias may be white, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac.<ref name=y />
Zinnias are annuals, shrubs, and sub-shrubs native primarily to [[North America]], with a few species in [[South America]].<ref name="Anderson2007">{{cite book|editor-last=Anderson|editor-first=Neil O.|chapter=Chapter 12. Zinnia. ''Zinnia elegans'', ''Z. angustifolia''|author-last1=Stimart |author-first1=Dennis |author-last2=Boyle |author-first2=Thomas|title=Flower Breeding and Genetics: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kHiAe-kS92AC|date=2007|pages=337–360|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-4020-6569-9}}</ref>{{rp|338}} Most species have upright stems but some have a lax habit with spreading stems that mound over the surface of the ground. They typically range in height from 10 to 100&nbsp;cm tall (4" to 40").<ref name=y/> The leaves are opposite and usually stalkless (sessile), with a shape ranging from linear to ovate, and a color ranging from pale to medium green. Zinnia's [[composite flower]]s consist of ray florets that surround disk florets, which may be a different color than the ray florets and mature from the periphery inward.<ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Menashe |title=Development of a Zinnia Flower |date=24 February 2021 |website=[[University Space Research Association]] |url=https://epod.usra.edu/blog/2021/02/development-of-a-zinnia-flower.html|access-date=3 September 2022}}</ref> The flowers have a range of appearances, from a single row of petals to a dome shape. Zinnias may be white, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac.<ref name=y />


==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
Zinnias are easy to grow with potential heavy blooms that gush in color. Their petals can take different forms as single row with a visible center (Single-flowered zinnia), numerous rows with a center that is not visible (Double-flowered) and petals that are somewhere in-between with numerous rows but visible centers (Semi double-flowered zinnia). Their flowers can also take several shapes.
Zinnias are easy to grow with potential heavy, brightly colored blooms. Their petals can take different forms as single row with a visible center (single-flowered zinnia), numerous rows with a center that is not visible (double-flowered) and petals that are somewhere in-between with numerous rows but visible centers (semi-double-flowered zinnia). Their flowers can also take several shapes.


Zinnias are an annual plant that preferably grows ''in situ'' from seed, as they dislike being transplanted. Much like daisies, zinnias prefer to have full sunlight and adequate water. In the preferred conditions they will grow quickly but are sensitive to frost and therefore will die after the first frost of autumn. Zinnias benefit from [[Deadheading_(flowers)|deadheading]] to encourage further blooming.
Zinnias are an annual plant usually grown ''in situ'' from seed, as they dislike being transplanted. Much like daisies, zinnias prefer to have full sunlight and adequate water. In the preferred conditions they will grow quickly but are sensitive to frost and therefore will die after the first frost of autumn. Zinnias benefit from [[Deadheading (flowers)|deadheading]] to encourage further blooming.


==Species==
==Species==
; accepted species<ref name=x /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bonap.net/NAPA/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Zinnia|title=Zinnia|work=BONAP North American Plant Atlas|date=2014-12-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Results — Zinnia|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Zinnia|work=The Plant List}}</ref>
; Accepted species<ref name=x /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bonap.net/NAPA/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Zinnia|title=Zinnia|work=BONAP North American Plant Atlas|date=2014-12-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Results — Zinnia|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Zinnia|work=The Plant List}}</ref>
* ''[[Zinnia acerosa]]'' – [[Arizona]], [[New Mexico]], [[Texas]], and [[Utah]] in the United States; [[Coahuila]], [[Durango]], [[Michoacán]], [[Nuevo León]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[Sonora]], and [[Zacatecas]] in Mexico.
* ''[[Zinnia acerosa]]'' – [[Arizona]], [[New Mexico]], [[Texas]], and [[Utah]] in the United States; [[Coahuila]], [[Durango]], [[Michoacán]], [[Nuevo León]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[Sonora]], and [[Zacatecas]] in Mexico.
* ''[[Zinnia americana]]'' – [[Chiapas]], [[Guerrero]], [[Honduras]], [[Jalisco]], Michoacán, [[México State]], [[Nayarit]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Oaxaca]], and [[Veracruz]].
* ''[[Zinnia americana]]'' – [[Chiapas]], [[Guerrero]], [[Honduras]], [[Jalisco]], Michoacán, [[México State]], [[Nayarit]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Oaxaca]], and [[Veracruz]].
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* ''[[Zinnia zinnioides]]'' <small>(Kunth) Olorode & Torres</small>
* ''[[Zinnia zinnioides]]'' <small>(Kunth) Olorode & Torres</small>


; formerly included<ref name=x />
; Formerly included<ref name=x />
see ''[[Glossocardia]] [[Philactis]]''
See ''[[Glossocardia]]'' and ''[[Philactis]].''
* ''Zinnia bidens – [[Glossocardia bidens]]''
* ''Zinnia bidens – [[Glossocardia bidens]]''
* ''Zinnia liebmannii – [[Philactis zinnioides]]''
* ''Zinnia liebmannii – [[Philactis zinnioides]]''
Line 67: Line 68:
''Zinnia elegans'', also known as ''Zinnia violacea'', is the most familiar species, originally from the warm regions of Mexico being a warm–hot climate plant. Its leaves are lance-shaped and sandpapery in texture, and height ranges from 15&nbsp;cm to 1 meter.<ref name=y />
''Zinnia elegans'', also known as ''Zinnia violacea'', is the most familiar species, originally from the warm regions of Mexico being a warm–hot climate plant. Its leaves are lance-shaped and sandpapery in texture, and height ranges from 15&nbsp;cm to 1 meter.<ref name=y />


''Zinnia angustifolia'' is another Mexican species. It has a low bushy plant habit, linear foliage, and more delicate flowers than ''Z. elegans'' – usually single, and in shades of yellow, orange or white. It is also more resistant to [[powdery mildew]] than ''Z. elegans'', and hybrids between the two species have been raised which impart this resistance on plants intermediate in appearance between the two. The ''Profusion'' series, with both single and double-flowered components, is bred by Sakata of Japan, and is among the most well-known of this hybrid group.
''Zinnia angustifolia'' is another Mexican species. It has a low bushy plant habit, linear foliage, and more delicate flowers than ''Z. elegans'' – usually single, and in shades of yellow, orange or white. It is also more resistant to [[powdery mildew]] than ''Z. elegans'', and hybrids between the two species have been raised which impart this resistance to plants intermediate in appearance between the two. The 'Profusion' cultivars, with both single and double-flowered components, are among the most well-known of this hybrid group.


Zinnias seem to be a favorite of [[butterfly|butterflies]] as well as [[hummingbird]]s, and many gardeners add zinnias specifically to attract them.<ref>{{cite web
Zinnias is favored by [[butterfly|butterflies]] as well as [[hummingbird]]s, and many gardeners add zinnias specifically to attract them.<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005/0810-saving_butterflies.htm
|url = https://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005/0810-saving_butterflies.htm
|title = Saving Butterflies Insect Ecologist Spearheads Creation of Oases for Endangered Butterflies
|title = Saving Butterflies Insect Ecologist Spearheads Creation of Oases for Endangered Butterflies
Line 79: Line 80:
|archive-date = June 4, 2008
|archive-date = June 4, 2008
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
<gallery perrow=6>
<gallery perrow="6">
Hummingbird hawk-moth straw streched.JPG|''[[Hummingbird hawk-moth]]
Hummingbird hawk-moth straw streched.JPG|[[Hummingbird hawk-moth]]
'Inachis io' 2.JPG|''[[Aglais io]]''
'Inachis io' 2.JPG|''[[Aglais io]]''
'Vanessa cardui' 1.JPG|''[[Vanessa cardui]]''
'Vanessa cardui' 1.JPG|''[[Vanessa cardui]]''
'Admiral - Vanessa atalanta' 01.JPG|''[[Vanessa atalanta]]''
'Admiral - Vanessa atalanta' 01.JPG|''[[Vanessa atalanta]]''
'Aglais urticae' 6.JPG|''[[Aglais urticae]]''
'Aglais urticae' 6.JPG|''[[Aglais urticae]]''
Monarch Butterfly Pink Zinnia 1800px.jpg|''[[Monarch butterfly]]''
Monarch Butterfly Pink Zinnia 1800px.jpg|[[Monarch butterfly]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Uses==
==Uses==
Zinnias are popular garden flowers because they come in a wide range of flower colors and shapes, and they can withstand hot summer temperatures, and are easy to grow from seeds.<ref name="A.K.2006">{{cite book|author=Singh, A.K.|title=Flower Crops: Cultivation and Management|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bfb1T6QbfaAC&pg=PA403|date=1 January 2006|publisher=New India Publishing|isbn=978-81-89422-35-6|pages=403–}}</ref> They are grown in fertile, [[humus]]-rich, and well-drained soil, in an area with full sun. They will reseed themselves each year. Over 100 [[cultivar]]s have been produced since selective breeding started in the 19th century.
Zinnias are popular garden flowers because they come in a wide range of flower colors and shapes, and they can withstand hot summer temperatures and are easy to grow from seeds.<ref name="A.K.2006">{{cite book|author=Singh, A.K.|title=Flower Crops: Cultivation and Management|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bfb1T6QbfaAC&pg=PA403|date=1 January 2006|publisher=New India Publishing|isbn=978-81-89422-35-6|pages=403–}}</ref> They bloom all summer long. They are grown in fertile, [[humus]]-rich, and well-drained soil, in an area with full sun. They will reseed themselves each year. Over 100 [[cultivar]]s have been produced since selective breeding started in the 19th century.


''[[Zinnia peruviana]]'' was introduced to Europe in the early 1700s. Around 1790 ''Z''. ''elegans'' (''Zinnia violacea'') was introduced and those plants had a single row of ray florets which were violet. In 1829, scarlet flowering plants were available under the name 'Coccinea'. Double flowering types were available in 1858, coming from [[India]], and they were in a range of colors including shades of reds, rose, purple, orange, buff, and rose stripped.<ref name="Anderson2007" />{{rp|338-}} In time, they came to represent ''thinking of absent friends'' in the [[language of flowers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.languageofflowers.com/flowermeaning.htm|title=Language of Flowers – Flower Meanings, Flower Sentiments|website=www.languageofflowers.com|access-date=2016-11-26}}</ref>
''[[Zinnia peruviana]]'' was introduced to Europe in the early 1700s. Around 1790 ''Z''. ''elegans'' (''Zinnia violacea'') was introduced. Those plants had a single row of ray florets, which were violet. In 1829, scarlet flowering plants were available under the name "Coccinea". Double flowering types were available in 1858, coming from [[India]], and they were in a range of colors, including shades of reds, rose, purple, orange, buff, and rose striped.<ref name="Anderson2007" />{{rp|338-}} In time, they came to represent ''thinking of absent friends'' in the [[language of flowers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.languageofflowers.com/flowermeaning.htm|title=Language of Flowers – Flower Meanings, Flower Sentiments|website=www.languageofflowers.com|access-date=2016-11-26}}</ref>


A number of species of zinnia are popular flowering plants, and interspecific hybrids are becoming more common.<ref name="Anderson2007" />{{rp|344-}} Their varied habits allow for uses in several parts of a garden, and their tendency to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is seen as desirable. Commercially available seeds and plants are derived from open pollinated or F1 crosses, and the first commercial [[F1 hybrid]] dates from 1960.{{cn|date=October 2021}}
A number of species of zinnia are popular flowering plants, and interspecific hybrids are becoming more common.<ref name="Anderson2007" />{{rp|344-}} Their varied habits allow for uses in several parts of a garden, and their tendency to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is seen as desirable. Commercially available seeds and plants are derived from open pollinated or F1 crosses, and the first commercial [[F1 hybrid]] dates from 1960.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}


Some zinnias are edible, though often reported to have a bitter taste best suited to garnish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zinnia: Plant Care and Growing Guide |url=https://www.gardenia.net/guide/zinnia-plant-care-and-growing-guide |access-date=25 August 2024 |website=Gardenia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Edible Flowers - Zinnias |url=https://theflowerdeli.co.uk/flowers/zinnias |access-date=25 August 2024 |website=The Flower Deli}}</ref>


==Cultivation in microgravity==
Some zinnia are edible. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-giant-zinnias-21796.html|title=How to Plant Giant Z innias|website=www.sfgate.com|access-date=2021-07-28}}</ref>
[[File:ISS-46 Zinnia flower in the Cupola (2).jpg|thumb|A zinnia flower blooming inside the [[Cupola (ISS module)|cupola]] of the [[International Space Station]], having germinated and grown in [[microgravity]].]]

⚫
Experimentation aboard the [[International Space Station]] has demonstrated the capability of zinnias to blossom in a [[microgravity|weightless environment]], an example of [[plants in space]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/first-flower-born-in-space-shows-there-is-other-life-out-there-a6818381.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/first-flower-born-in-space-shows-there-is-other-life-out-there-a6818381.html |archive-date=2022-05-07 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=First flower grown in space shows there is 'other life' out there|work=[[The Independent]] newspaper|first=Ian|last=Johnston|date=16 January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
==Beyond earth==
⚫
Experimentation aboard the [[International Space Station]] has demonstrated the capability of zinnias to grow and blossom in a weightless environment.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/first-flower-born-in-space-shows-there-is-other-life-out-there-a6818381.html|title=First flower grown in space shows there is 'other life' out there|work=[[The Independent]] newspaper|first=Ian|last=Johnston|date=16 January 2016}}</ref>


==Companion plants==
==Companion plants==
In the Americas their ability to attract hummingbirds is also seen as useful as a defense against [[whitefly|whiteflies]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Arthurs|first=Steven|last2=Krauter|first2=Peter C|last3=Heinz|first3=Kevin M|date=2017-01-01|title=Evaluation of Foliar Insecticides for the Control of Sweetpotato Whitefly in Zinnia, 2017*|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/amt/tsx133|journal=Arthropod Management Tests|volume=42|issue=1|doi=10.1093/amt/tsx133|issn=2155-9856|doi-access=free}}</ref> and therefore zinnias are a desirable [[companion plant]], benefiting plants that are [[inter-cropping|inter-cropped]] with it. Zinnias are grown in the summertime and bloom all summer long.
In the Americas their ability to attract hummingbirds is also seen as useful as a defense against [[whitefly|whiteflies]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Arthurs|first1=Steven|last2=Krauter|first2=Peter C|last3=Heinz|first3=Kevin M|date=2017-01-01|title=Evaluation of Foliar Insecticides for the Control of Sweetpotato Whitefly in Zinnia, 2017*|journal=Arthropod Management Tests|volume=42|issue=1|doi=10.1093/amt/tsx133|issn=2155-9856|doi-access=free}}</ref> and therefore zinnias are a desirable [[companion plant]], benefiting plants that are [[inter-cropping|inter-cropped]] with it.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Zinnia acerosa flowers.jpg|''[[Zinnia acerosa]]''
File:Zinnia acerosa flowers.jpg|''[[Zinnia acerosa]]''
⚫
File:Zinnia-Bicolor.jpg|''[[Zinnia bicolor]]''
File:Zinnia grandiflora 2.jpg|''[[Zinnia grandiflora]]''
File:Zinnia grandiflora 2.jpg|''[[Zinnia grandiflora]]''
File:Starr 030202-0031 Zinnia peruviana.jpg|''[[Zinnia peruviana]]''
File:Starr 030202-0031 Zinnia peruviana.jpg|''[[Zinnia peruviana]]''
Line 113: Line 113:
File:Zinnia angustifolia 'Pette Land White'2.jpg|''[[Zinnia angustifolia]]''
File:Zinnia angustifolia 'Pette Land White'2.jpg|''[[Zinnia angustifolia]]''
File:Zinnia haageana 'Aztec Burgundy Bicolor' kz2.jpg|''[[Zinnia haageana]]''
File:Zinnia haageana 'Aztec Burgundy Bicolor' kz2.jpg|''[[Zinnia haageana]]''
⚫
File:Zinnias in Oklahoma.jpg|''[[Zinnia elegans]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>


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== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==


{{Taxonbar|from=Q205106}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q205106}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Zinnia| ]]
[[Category:Zinnia| ]]

Latest revision as of 14:46, 30 August 2024

For other uses, see Zinnia (disambiguation).

Zinnia
Zinnia flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Heliantheae
Subtribe: Zinniinae
Genus: Zinnia
L.
Type species
Chrysogonum peruvianum
Synonyms[1][2]
  • Sanvitaliopsis Sch.Bip. ex Greenm.
  • Sanvitaliopsis Sch.Bip. ex Benth. & Hook.f.
  • Tragoceros Kunth
  • Lejica Hill ex DC.
  • Lepia Hill
  • Diplothrix DC.
  • Crassina Scepin
Stereo image
Left frame 
Right frame 
Parallel view ()
Cross-eye view ()
Zinnia seeds resemble arrow heads

Zinnia is a genus of plants of the tribe Heliantheae within the family Asteraceae.[3][4] They are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico. Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed 12 petal flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. The genus name honors the German scientist Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727–1759).[5]

Description

[edit]

Zinnias are annuals, shrubs, and sub-shrubs native primarily to North America, with a few species in South America.[6]: 338  Most species have upright stems but some have a lax habit with spreading stems that mound over the surface of the ground. They typically range in height from 10 to 100 cm tall (4" to 40").[5] The leaves are opposite and usually stalkless (sessile), with a shape ranging from linear to ovate, and a color ranging from pale to medium green. Zinnia's composite flowers consist of ray florets that surround disk florets, which may be a different color than the ray florets and mature from the periphery inward.[7] The flowers have a range of appearances, from a single row of petals to a dome shape. Zinnias may be white, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac.[5]

Cultivation

[edit]

Zinnias are easy to grow with potential heavy, brightly colored blooms. Their petals can take different forms as single row with a visible center (single-flowered zinnia), numerous rows with a center that is not visible (double-flowered) and petals that are somewhere in-between with numerous rows but visible centers (semi-double-flowered zinnia). Their flowers can also take several shapes.

Zinnias are an annual plant usually grown in situ from seed, as they dislike being transplanted. Much like daisies, zinnias prefer to have full sunlight and adequate water. In the preferred conditions they will grow quickly but are sensitive to frost and therefore will die after the first frost of autumn. Zinnias benefit from deadheading to encourage further blooming.

Species

[edit]
Accepted species[1][8][9]
Formerly included[1]

See Glossocardia and Philactis.

Zinnia elegans, also known as Zinnia violacea, is the most familiar species, originally from the warm regions of Mexico being a warm–hot climate plant. Its leaves are lance-shaped and sandpapery in texture, and height ranges from 15 cm to 1 meter.[5]

Zinnia angustifolia is another Mexican species. It has a low bushy plant habit, linear foliage, and more delicate flowers than Z. elegans – usually single, and in shades of yellow, orange or white. It is also more resistant to powdery mildew than Z. elegans, and hybrids between the two species have been raised which impart this resistance to plants intermediate in appearance between the two. The 'Profusion' cultivars, with both single and double-flowered components, are among the most well-known of this hybrid group.

Zinnias is favored by butterflies as well as hummingbirds, and many gardeners add zinnias specifically to attract them.[10]

Uses

[edit]

Zinnias are popular garden flowers because they come in a wide range of flower colors and shapes, and they can withstand hot summer temperatures and are easy to grow from seeds.[11] They bloom all summer long. They are grown in fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil, in an area with full sun. They will reseed themselves each year. Over 100 cultivars have been produced since selective breeding started in the 19th century.

Zinnia peruviana was introduced to Europe in the early 1700s. Around 1790 Z. elegans (Zinnia violacea) was introduced. Those plants had a single row of ray florets, which were violet. In 1829, scarlet flowering plants were available under the name "Coccinea". Double flowering types were available in 1858, coming from India, and they were in a range of colors, including shades of reds, rose, purple, orange, buff, and rose striped.[6]: 338-  In time, they came to represent thinking of absent friends in the language of flowers.[12]

A number of species of zinnia are popular flowering plants, and interspecific hybrids are becoming more common.[6]: 344-  Their varied habits allow for uses in several parts of a garden, and their tendency to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is seen as desirable. Commercially available seeds and plants are derived from open pollinated or F1 crosses, and the first commercial F1 hybrid dates from 1960.[citation needed]

Some zinnias are edible, though often reported to have a bitter taste best suited to garnish.[13][14]

Cultivation in microgravity

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A zinnia flower blooming inside the cupola of the International Space Station, having germinated and grown in microgravity.

Experimentation aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated the capability of zinnias to blossom in a weightless environment, an example of plants in space.[15]

Companion plants

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In the Americas their ability to attract hummingbirds is also seen as useful as a defense against whiteflies,[16] and therefore zinnias are a desirable companion plant, benefiting plants that are inter-cropped with it.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Advanced Name Search". Global Compositae Checklist. Archived from the original on 2014-11-06.
  2. ^ "Genus: Zinnia L." Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. October 5, 2007. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  3. ^ Linnaeus, Carl von. 1759. Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1189, 1221, 1377 in Latin
  4. ^ "Tropicos". www.tropicos.org.
  5. ^ a b c d "Zinnia". Flora of North America.
  6. ^ a b c Stimart, Dennis; Boyle, Thomas (2007). "Chapter 12. Zinnia. Zinnia elegans, Z. angustifolia". In Anderson, Neil O. (ed.). Flower Breeding and Genetics: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century. Springer. pp. 337–360. ISBN 978-1-4020-6569-9.
  7. ^ Davidson, Menashe (24 February 2021). "Development of a Zinnia Flower". University Space Research Association. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  8. ^ "Zinnia". BONAP North American Plant Atlas. 2014-12-15.
  9. ^ "Results — Zinnia". The Plant List.
  10. ^ "Saving Butterflies Insect Ecologist Spearheads Creation of Oases for Endangered Butterflies". Science Daily. January 1, 2005. Archived from the original on June 4, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.
  11. ^ Singh, A.K. (1 January 2006). Flower Crops: Cultivation and Management. New India Publishing. pp. 403–. ISBN 978-81-89422-35-6.
  12. ^ "Language of Flowers – Flower Meanings, Flower Sentiments". www.languageofflowers.com. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  13. ^ "Zinnia: Plant Care and Growing Guide". Gardenia. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  14. ^ "Edible Flowers - Zinnias". The Flower Deli. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  15. ^ Johnston, Ian (16 January 2016). "First flower grown in space shows there is 'other life' out there". The Independent newspaper. Archived from the original on 2022-05-07.
  16. ^ Arthurs, Steven; Krauter, Peter C; Heinz, Kevin M (2017-01-01). "Evaluation of Foliar Insecticides for the Control of Sweetpotato Whitefly in Zinnia, 2017*". Arthropod Management Tests. 42 (1). doi:10.1093/amt/tsx133. ISSN 2155-9856.
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