Zinnia marylandica Zahara F1 Double Mix

The Zinnia marylandica 'Zahara F1 Double Mixed' is one of the most floriferous high-performance hybrids. From July until the first frost, its large double flowers, 5 cm (2in) in diameter, offer a wide range of vibrant colours, giving your garden a festive atmosphere. It reaches a height of 45 cm (18in), with a width of 45 cm (18in). The flowers exude a scent reminiscent of beeswax and are beautiful in fresh or dried bouquets. Resistant to diseases and tolerant of extreme weather conditions, this type of annual plant is easy to grow and requires little care, but it thrives best in well-drained soil and sunlight. It is perfect for borders and container gardens. An attractive and low-maintenance plant!

Zinnia is an annual herbaceous plant native to the scrublands and desert meadows of southern United States and Mexico. It is a flower of the Asteraceae family, closely related to daisies and cosmos. Zinnias are synonymous with friendship and romantic love in the language of flowers. In Victorian times, red and magenta zinnias were very popular for expressing romantic and amorous feelings. They also represent celebration and gathering among friends. Their Latin name, Zinnia, comes from Dr. Johann Gottfried Zinn, a European scholar who described one of the species in the genus in the 1600s. The common zinnia only became popular a century later.

Zinnia marylandica, also known as the Maryland Zinnia, is a hybrid obtained at the University of Maryland in the early 80s. It produces several varieties resulting from cross-breeding between Zinnia elegans and another disease-resistant species. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. They require rich and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, they are characterised by deciduous foliage and lanceolate, opposite, petiolate, pale green leaves. From June to autumn, they produce flowers of various colours depending on the cultivar, either single or double, and either solid or bicoloured. They are used in flower beds, borders, pots, or for bouquets. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Simply deadhead the faded flowers to maintain their beauty and prolong flowering. They are nectariferous plants that will delight bees and butterflies.

In 2009, the 'Zahara F1 Double' series was introduced for the first time. It offers a vigorous and disease-resistant plant while perfectly tolerating heat and drought. Moreover, it has vibrant and unique colours. It stands out for its robustness and its ability to adapt to climatic conditions. This dwarf variety grows rather quickly, forming a bushy and compact clump, reaching a height of no more than 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in). The stiff stems are angular or round, and the medium to pale green foliage is rough and slightly fuzzy. The opposite leaves have a linear, ovate, or elliptical shape and measure 4 to 6 cm (2in). Flowering occurs as early as July and continues until the first frost. The solitary heads are composed of several rows of ligulate petals surrounding a central disc and more or less visible pistils. Its palette of colours brings a unique touch to your garden.

Maryland Zinnias are easy-to-grow and versatile annual plants. It tolerates heat well and requires little maintenance. It thrives in well-drained and sunny soils. To promote its long flowering period, it is recommended to remove faded flowers. When mixed, these different varieties of dwarf Zinnias are highly appreciated for their ability to adapt to sunny and challenging areas. They are ideal for dressing up borders and rock gardens. They can be combined with Gauras, Cosmos, Coreopsis, Damask Nigellas, or grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia or Eragrostis trichoides, for a contemporary look. They can be planted as borders, in flower beds, in the vegetable garden, or in pots on the terrace, and can be used to decorate bouquets. They are very low-maintenance and will enhance your outdoor space during the summer.

Gardener's tip: Beware of powdery mildew, which stains the foliage and hinders the plant's development. It can be avoided by spacing out the zinnias and allowing air to circulate between the plants, and by avoiding wetting the leaves through ground-level watering.