Zinnia Profusion Red is a stunning plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, known for its bright red flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. It is a hybrid cultivar that resulted from crossing two Zinnia species – Zinnia angustifolia and Zinnia Elegans. This plant is an annual that is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Zinnia |
Appearance
Zinnia Profusion Red grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches with a spread of 12 to 15 inches. It has dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and about 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers are bright red, semi-double, and measure about 2 inches in diameter. They bloom from early summer to fall and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Zinnia Profusion Red is a perfect addition to any garden or landscape, adding a vibrant splash of color.
Care Guide
Zinnia Profusion Red is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Here are some care tips for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and blooming.
- Soil: Plant the Zinnia Profusion Red in well-draining soil. If the soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: This plant requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: Zinnia Profusion Red can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zinnia Profusion Red is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These are small, white insects that feed on the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that cause yellowing of the leaves, and webbing on the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
- Fungal Diseases: These diseases can cause the plant’s leaves to turn yellow, wilt, and die. Use fungicides to control fungal diseases.
Habitat
Zinnia Profusion Red is native to Mexico, but it is widely grown across the world for its beautiful flowers. It thrives in warm climates with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. It is perfect for gardens, landscapes, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Zinnia Profusion Red tolerate cold weather?
A: No, this plant cannot tolerate cold weather. It grows best in warm climates.
Q: How often should I fertilize Zinnia Profusion Red?
A: You should fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and blooming.
Q: How tall does Zinnia Profusion Red grow?
A: This plant grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches.
Q: How often should I water Zinnia Profusion Red?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.
Related Plants
- Zinnia elegans
- Zinnia angustifolia
- Zinnia haageana
- Zinnia peruviana
References
- “Zinnia Profusion Red.” National Garden Bureau. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://ngb.org/year-of-the-zinnia-zinnia-profusion-series/.
- “Zinnia Profusion Series.” PanAmerican Seed. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.panamseed.com/plant_info.aspx?phid=050008781001035.
- “Zinnia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280306.
