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Description
Zinnia Acerosa, commonly known as desert zinnia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is native to North America and is found in arid regions such as deserts, plains, and rocky slopes. This annual plant is known for its beautiful, daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors such as yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. The flowers bloom from spring to fall and are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Zinnia |
Appearance
Zinnia Acerosa grows up to 1 foot tall and has a spread of about 1 foot. Its leaves are narrow, linear, and up to 2 inches long. The flowers are 1-2 inches in diameter and have a central disk surrounded by 8-13 ray florets. The disk is yellowish-brown in color and the ray florets are yellow, orange, red, pink, or white. The flowers bloom from spring to fall and are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Zinnia Acerosa is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Make sure the soil is well-draining and does not stay wet for too long.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Zinnia Acerosa prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. If the soil is heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Zinnia Acerosa prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Make sure the plant gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Zinnia Acerosa is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zinnia Acerosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if the plant is grown in humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide. Zinnia Acerosa can also be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Zinnia Acerosa is native to North America and is found in arid regions such as deserts, plains, and rocky slopes. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Zinnia Acerosa tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Zinnia Acerosa is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water.
Q: How often should I fertilize Zinnia Acerosa?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I prevent powdery mildew on Zinnia Acerosa?
A: To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide.
Q: Can Zinnia Acerosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Zinnia Acerosa can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant gets enough sunlight.
Related Plants
- Zinnia elegans
- Zinnia haageana
- Zinnia peruviana
- Zinnia grandiflora
References
- USDA Plants Database: Zinnia acerosa
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Zinnia acerosa
- Gardening Know How: Desert Zinnia Care – Tips For Growing Desert Zinnias
