Duna Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Zinnia

Species

marylandica

Description

A compact, globular ornamental herb with an upright habit, resulting from a hybridisation between Zinnia angustifolia and Zinnia violaceae; it has high thermal requirements and is one of the most heat-tolerant annual species, even in full sun. It is prized by gardeners and landscape designers for its abundant and spectacular flowering, which lasts from mid-spring to early autumn, with flowers borne in capitulum-like inflorescences and petals in vivid, brilliant colours that add a splash of colour to gardens, in flowerbeds and borders, or on terraces and balconies, in planters and window boxes, creating a favourable habitat for beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees. Easy to grow and maintain, it requires little care.

Species Video

https://youtu.be/KBiEuEmw0tQ

curiosity and special features

The genus name honours the botanist Professor J.G. Zinn, whilst the specific epithet means ‘of Maryland’, in reference to the University of Maryland, where the interspecific hybrid was created.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to Mexico and the south-western United States; Zinnia marylandica is a hybrid between Zinnia angustifolia and Zinnia violacea, created at the University of Maryland in the 1980s with the aim of producing a vigorous, disease-resistant plant with long-lasting blooms in bright, warm colours that do not fade in the sun. Now widespread throughout Europe, it is today one of the most popular ornamental species for use in landscaping.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of m, making it ideal as a foreground or midground plant in mixed arrangements to create sinuous visual effects of movement.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, medium-sized, with a dialipetal corolla and solid-coloured petals. It grows in medium-sized head-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 130 and 160 days. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

pH

For zinnias, the ideal pH of the soil or growing medium is slightly acidic, with values ranging from 5.8 to 6.2.

soil preparation

Before spring planting in the flowerbed, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones. Work in organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and, if the soil is excessively heavy and compact, add some sand as well. Continue by using a hoe to break up the larger clods, making the soil looser and improving the distribution of the fertiliser. To encourage the drainage of excess water and prevent harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil. Finally, spread a layer of professional-grade potting compost for ornamental plants approximately 5–10 cm thick over the surface and level it using a rake.

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for hot summer climates. The ideal temperature is between {F1} and {F2} °C. The biological temperature range is between {F1} and {F2} °C. It is advisable to avoid early transplanting when temperatures are below 12/13 °C.

Soil/medium

The ideal soil for zinnias is of medium texture or slightly sandy, enriched and well-drained; for growing in pots and planters, we recommend a potting mix for spring-flowering plants, containing fibrous peat and perlite.

Composition

Ideal for compact, colourful ornamental arrangements, and can also be combined with flowers of different heights to create a sense of depth; colour combinations may feature shades of the same hue or an alternation of colours chosen from the various available varieties, creating patterns or designs according to personal preference. You can create patches of colour or simple borders with other species such asCarex buchananii, Coleus blumei, Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia farinacea, Solenostemon coleoides and Tagetes patula. Even in a smaller space, such as planters or window boxes, it can be planted in alternation with plants featuring green or variegated foliage, or combined – as in a garden – with species bearing flowers of different shades.

Reproduction/Propagation

Medium.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or via an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting, apply balanced watering without allowing the soil to become waterlogged, and support the seedling during the early stages of development at its new planting site. Subsequently, allow the growing medium or soil to dry out slightly after each watering, whilst avoiding periods of complete dryness. It is also advisable not to overwater to prevent waterlogging, which can encourage the development of fungal diseases leading to root rot. Always check the soil moisture level before watering.

Fertilization

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. Subsequently, during the spring/summer period, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental species to the Soil/medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed liquid fertiliser, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency or dosage.

Pet friendly

No toxicity to pets is known; assess each case individually.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity unknown; avoid ingestion.