Zinnia elegans Burpeeana Chrysanthemum Flowered Mixed Seeds

From the large family Asteraceae, the chrysanthemum flowered Zinnia is a large herbaceous annual (90 cm high and 25 cm wide) producing numerous flowers from July to the first frosts. Its official name is Zinnia elegans Chrysanthemum Flowered Mixed.

Its stiff, well-branched stems bear broad, rounded, pointed pale green leaves.

The large, solitary terminal flowers, 12 to 14 cm in diameter, display bright, shimmering colours.

The semi-double or double Chrysanthemum-shaped flowers are capitula that are made up of long quilled petals, giving them a spiky appearance. Their bigger, fuller flowers resemble those of some Dahlias giving the variety the common name of cactus flowered zinnia.

The silhouette of this Zinnia’s tall, slender bush makes it best for use in the middle-ground or background of beds. The common zinnia prefers a warm, sunny location. It requires very little water and a well-drained soil will suit it perfectly. The flowers though unscented, still attract butterflies that come to feed on their nectar.

The stiff stems of the chrysanthemum flowered Zinnia have an excellent vase life and make it possible to create colourful summer bouquets. Combine it in your flowerbeds with Centaurea, Cosmos and Clarkia.