Zinnia grandiflora (Plains Zinnia)
Plains Zinnia, Rocky Mountain Zinnia, Prairie Zinnia, Little Golden Zinnia, Yellow Zinnia, Golden Eye, Wild Zinnia, Crassina grandiflora
Zinnia grandiflora (Plains Zinnia) is a low-growing, sturdy perennial forming a mossy mat of tiny, needle-like, bright green leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). Its numerous much-branched woody-based stems give the plant a shrub appearance. From late spring to mid-fall, a profusion of small bright-yellow ray flowers, 1 1/2 in across (4 cm), adorned with an orange eye cover the plant. They attract a multitude of beneficial insects, including butterflies, moths, and bees. Native to the Rocky Mountains and south into Mexico, Zinnia grandiflora is ideal for dry, gravelly rock gardens, parkways, as well as well-drained flower gardens. This mounded perennial slowly spreads by rhizomes to become a showy groundcover. It is also good for erosion control on steep, sandy slopes. Durable, water-wise, tolerant of drought, severe heat, strong winds, and cold temperatures, Zinnia grandiflora provides a long season of interest in the landscape.
- Forms a dense, compact mound up to 4-8 in. tall and wide (10-20 cm).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in occasionally to very dry soils. Good drainage is important. Drought tolerant.
- A great choice for beds and borders, slopes, prairies and meadows, coastal gardens, and containers.
- Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Cuttings or divisions should be done in the spring.
- Native to most of the Midwest, West, and Southwestern parts of the United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Zinnia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 36" (30cm - 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Midwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Texas, United States |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Zinnia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 36" (30cm - 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Midwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Texas, United States |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
