Zinnia Zahara

The Zinnia Zahara is a horticultural hybrid that blooms from July until the first frost, with large single flowers measuring 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter, which come in a wide range of vibrant, solid ortwo-tone colours. This variety has a compact and bushy habit, disease-resistant vegetation, and perfect tolerance to extreme climatic conditions. Its large flowers, with a curious scent reminiscent of wax, are beautiful in fresh or dried bouquets. Perfectly adapted to heat and drought, this annual plant requires little care, but needs sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.

The Zinnia Zahara is an interspecific hybrid obtained by artificial cross-breeding of Z. angustifolia var. angustifolia and Z. violacea, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Both are native to northern and western Mexico. This Zinnia forms a branching and bushy clump measuring 40 cm (15.7 in) in all directions. The sturdy stems are adorned with rough and fuzzy, lanceolate to elliptical, medium green leaves. This variety is particularly resistant to fungal diseases, heat, and drought. The flowering period, which is particularly long, occurs from June-July to November, and is nectar-rich and honey-producing. The flower is a large head measuring 6 to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter, with a row of ligulate petals, fully open. Depending on the plants, the petals are solid or bicoloured. Almost all colours are represented, except for blue and green. The center of the flower is golden.

Watching zinnias grow is always a surprise. Capable of emerging from the ground in unlikely places which most plants would neglect, their blooms flourish even in gravelly soils and under the scorching sun. Their bright hues, sometimes bordering on aggressiveness, blend so well with the bright light of summer that they can be left to grow even in the cracks of terraces or passageways. Even though they come and go within one year, it is worth the taking advantage of flowering that goes on almost to the limits of reason. They stand out in country flowerbeds, where their ardour can be tempered by combining them with softer blooms such as white or blue nigellas, cosmos or white gauras, or by placing them in the midst of light grasses like Stipa tenuifolia or Eragrostis trichoides. Of course, they can also be planted in pots to decorate the terrace in summer.

Please note that our young plants in mini-plugs are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, frame) at a temperature above 14C° for a few weeks before planting outside once all risk of frost has passed.