Table of Contents
Pronunciation:
Introduction
Zinnia pumila, commonly known as “Zinnia,” is a flowering plant that is popular in gardens and landscapes across the United States. There are no specific regional or other common names for Zinnia pumila, but it is often referred to simply by its genus name, Zinnia, which encompasses a variety of species.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Tracheophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Zinnia
- Species: Zinnia pumila
Description
Zinnia pumila is an annual flowering plant known for its vibrant and colorful flowers. It is primarily grown for its ornamental value and is a popular choice for garden beds, borders, and containers. Zinnia pumila is not known to be invasive or problematic and is appreciated for its ease of growth and the cheerful ambiance it brings to gardens.
Size
Zinnia pumila typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 centimeters), making it a compact variety suitable for small spaces.
Leaves
The leaves of Zinnia pumila are lance-shaped, with a rough texture and can range from a deep green to a lighter shade depending on the variety.
Flower
The flowers of Zinnia pumila are its most striking feature. They come in a range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. The blooms can be single, semi-double, or double, with a layered appearance in the latter forms.
Fruit
The fruit of Zinnia pumila is an achene, a small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not open to release the seed.
Stem
The stem of Zinnia pumila is erect, sturdy, and can be either smooth or hairy depending on the cultivar.
Cultivation and Care
Planting
Zinnia pumila should be planted in the spring after the last frost. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors for earlier blooms.
Soil Preference
This plant prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is relatively adaptable but thrives in soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Watering
Zinnias require regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, it is important to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
Sun Requirements
Zinnia pumila needs full sun to flourish, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pruning
Pruning Zinnia pumila involves deadheading, or removing spent flowers, to encourage continuous blooming. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the flower head below the base of the bloom. Regular deadheading also helps prevent disease and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Propagation
Propagation is typically done by seed. Zinnia pumila seeds can be collected from dried flower heads at the end of the season and sown the following spring.
Health & Safety
Zinnia pumila is not known to be poisonous or toxic to humans, dogs, or cats. It is also not known to be thorny, spiky, or to cause contact dermatitis.
Pests and Problems
Zinnia pumila can be susceptible to pests such as aphids (Aphidoidea), spider mites (Tetranychidae), and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). These pests typically feed on the sap of the plant, which can lead to distorted growth and a weakened plant. Additionally, fungal diseases like powdery mildew (Erysiphales) and leaf spot can be problematic, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these issues. If pests or diseases do occur, they can often be managed with appropriate horticultural oils or fungicides, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Caresheet Data
General Information
| Plant Name: | zinnia pumila |
|---|---|
| Etymology: | nan |
| Common Name: | Dwarf Zinnia |
| Genus: | Zinnia |
| Species: | pumila |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
Plant Characteristics
| Height: | 6-8 in / 0.5-0.67 ft / 15-20 cm / 0.15-0.2 m |
|---|---|
| Width and Spread: | 12-18 in / 1-1.5 ft / 30-45 cm / 0.3-0.45 m |
| Plant Type: | Zinnia pumila is not a recognized botanical name. The correct botanical name for a common type of zinnia is Zinnia elegans. |
| Habit/Form: | Upright, bushy annual |
| Leaf Type: | Lanceolate to ovate, sometimes with a few teeth |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Opposite |
| Leaf Shape: | Lanceolate to ovate |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fragrance: | No fragrance. |
| Stem Description: | Erect, branching |
| Stem Is Aromatic: | No |
| Texture: | Smooth |
| Leaf Feel: | Rough, sandpapery texture |
| Leaf Length: | 5-7 cm |
| Leaf Description: | Lanceolate to ovate, sessile, opposite, with entire margins and acute apex |
| Hairs Present: | No |
Cultivation
| Light Requirements: | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil Preference: | Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; consistent moisture, but well-drained soil to prevent rot. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20), applied every few weeks during the growing season. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms; cut back if plants become leggy. |
| Seed Germination Time: | 5-7 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C) |
| Display/Harvest Time: | Zinnia pumila is not a recognized botanical name. The correct name for a common type of zinnia is Zinnia elegans. Assuming you are referring to Zinnia elegans, the typical harvest time for flowers is from late spring through the first frost, approximately 60-70 days after sowing. |
| Fruit/Seed Production: | Zinnia pumila produces seeds. |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Growth Habit: | Annual |
| Root System Type: | Fibrous root system |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Not applicable (Zinnia pumila is a flowering plant, not a fruit-bearing species). |
|---|---|
| Fruit Description: | Zinnia pumila does not produce fruit; it is an annual flowering plant that produces seeds within its flower heads. |
| Flower Color: | Mixed colors (Zinnia pumila is often sold as a mix of different colored flowers) |
| Flower Shape: | Single, semi-double, or double |
| Flower Inflorescence: | Solitary, capitulum with ray florets surrounding central disc florets |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to frost |
| Bloom Duration: | 4-6 weeks |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Not frost-tolerant |
| Heat Tolerance: | Zinnia pumila is heat tolerant. |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Shade Tolerance: | Full sun |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Soil Compaction Tolerance: | Low |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 3-10 |
| Photoperiod Sensitivity: | Short-day plant |
Wildlife and Landscape
| Pollinator Attraction: | Yes; bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Value: | Attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees. |
| Problematic Insects: | Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips |
| Allelopathic Properties: | No |
| Habitat Enhancement: | Attracts pollinators, supports biodiversity, prevents soil erosion |
| Erosion Control Potential: | Low |
| Landscape Location: | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Landscape Theme: | Cottage garden, pollinator garden, cutting garden, summer bedding display, container |
| Design Feature: | Yes, in floral arrangements, garden borders, and as a bedding plant. |
| Ethnobotanical Significance: | Zinnia pumila does not have a well-documented ethnobotanical significance. |
| Naturalization Ability: | Not applicable (Zinnia pumila is not a recognized botanical name; likely a confusion with Zinnia species or cultivars) |
| Companion Planting Suitability: | Zinnia pumila can be companion planted with marigolds, nasturtiums, and herbs like basil and dill to deter pests; avoid planting close to fennel which can inhibit growth. |
Health and Safety
| Edibility: | No |
|---|---|
| Edible Parts: | No parts of Zinnia pumila are known to be edible. |
| Toxicity: | No |
| Poison Parts of Plant: | nan |
| Toxic to Humans: | No |
| Toxic to Cats: | No |
| Toxic to Dogs: | No |
| Causes Contact Dermatitis: | No known association |
| Air Purification Qualities: | Not documented for air purification |
| Medicinal Properties: | No known medicinal properties |
| Thorniness or Spikiness: | No |
Sources and Additional Reading
- Zinnia (Zinnia pumila ‘Cut & Come Again’) – Garden.org (garden.org)
- Zinnia peruviana – North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (plants.ces.ncsu.edu)
