Plant of the Month: Zinnia

Zinnias in a Parisian public planting, 2019

Long regarded as an old-fashioned plant, Zinnias are making a comeback.

They are well-suited to our warming Australian climate, providing bursts of colour and attracting beneficial insects. As cut flowers, they last a long time and come in a variety of warm colours from pale salmon to neon pink, yellow, orange and even pastel lime. If you live in a temperate climate, now is the time to sow seeds.

Zinnia 'California Giant' pink

Zinnia 'California Giant' yellow

• Botanical name: Zinnia elegans

• Family: Asteraceae

• Origin: Mexico

• Uses: Cut flower, beneficial insects, edible

Growing notes

• Type: Annual

• Light: Full sun

• Water: Medium

• Care: Protect from wind and frost, deadhead often to promote more blooms

Dark orange and cream zinnias amongst other warm-coloured flowers in a Prague park in the heat of summer.

Hot pink zinnias popping against pastels and whites.

Varieties to try

All available from Diggers.

• ‘Queen Lime Orange’ - lime centre grading to pale salmon border

• ‘Califormia Giants’ - a mix of yellows, pinks, oranges and reds

• ‘Purple Prince’ - pom-pom pink-purple flowers