Contents
Description
Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen is a beautiful annual flower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Mexico but has been widely cultivated around the world for its vibrant cherry-colored blooms. The Cherry Queen is a relatively tall plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height and produces large, single-flowered blooms that measure up to 4 inches in diameter. It is a popular choice for gardeners, and its bright colors can add a pop of color to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Zinnia |
Appearance
Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen has a tall, upright growth habit, and can reach up to 3 feet in height. It has a single stem that branches out towards the top, producing large, single-flowered blooms. The blooms measure up to 4 inches in diameter and are a bright cherry-red color. The petals are long, narrow, and pointed, and the center of the bloom is a darker red color. The leaves of the Cherry Queen are lance-shaped and are a bright green color. Overall, the Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen is a stunning and eye-catching flower that can add a pop of color to any garden.
Care Guide
To care for Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this beautiful flower:- Water: The Cherry Queen prefers consistent moisture, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep the plant healthy and blooming.- Soil: The Cherry Queen prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types but does best in soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen prefers full sun, so it is important to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.- Hardiness Zones: The Cherry Queen is an annual plant that is not frost-tolerant. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues that gardeners may encounter:- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is most common in humid conditions and can be treated with a fungicide.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and eventually fall off. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.- Aphids: These small insects can also suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf miners: These insects lay their eggs on the leaves of the plant, and the larvae feed on the tissues inside the leaf. This can cause a distinctive pattern of white or brown patches on the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen is native to Mexico but has been widely cultivated around the world. It prefers warm, sunny conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types. It is commonly grown in gardens, borders, and containers.
Question and Answer
1. How often should I water Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen?
Answer: The Cherry Queen prefers consistent moisture, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
2. What kind of soil does Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen prefer?
Answer: The Cherry Queen prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types but does best in soil that is slightly acidic.
3. What are the most common pests and diseases that affect Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen?
Answer: Some of the most common pests and diseases that affect the Cherry Queen include powdery mildew, spider mites, aphids, and leaf miners.
4. What is the hardiness zone for Zinnia Elegans Cherry Queen?
Answer: The Cherry Queen is an annual plant that is not frost-tolerant. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that gardeners may also be interested in:- Zinnia Elegans ‘Lilliput’: A smaller variety of Zinnia Elegans that produces double-flowered blooms in a range of colors.- Zinnia ‘Profusion’: A hybrid variety of Zinnia that produces dense, bushy plants with a profusion of small, single-flowered blooms in a range of colors.- Zinnia ‘State Fair’: A tall variety of Zinnia that produces large, single-flowered blooms in a range of colors.
References
– “Zinnia elegans ‘Cherry Queen’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 7, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a328.- “Zinnia Elegans.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 7, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/28124/zinnia-elegans/details.
