Zinnia elegans Lilac Empress seeds

Zinnia elegans is a robust annual belonging to the Asteraceae family, originating from Mexico, having given rise to many cultivars. Zinnia 'Lilac Empress' is a latest generation variety, selected for the singularity and beauty of its flowering. The plant forms a clump that reaches 90 cm in height by 30 cm in width on average. Its stems are hollow and relatively brittle, adorned with rough and fuzzy, lanceolate to elliptical, medium green leaves. Flowering occurs from June-July to October, it is nectar-rich and honey-producing. The flowers appear in the axils of the leaves, these are beautiful 9 cm wid, hemispherical heads, with sharp and tousled petals.

Zinnias are appreciated for their robustness, vibrant colours and ease of cultivation, attributes that make them essential in the garden. These plants appreciate full sun and tolerate heat well, provided they are watered occasionally. They develop optimally in neutral, rich and well-drained soil, but also tolerate ordinary garden soil. Zinnias pair well with perennials like Pink Rudbeckias and Baptisias, as well as with other annuals such as Moroccan linarias, Coreopsis or Ammi visnaga. Pair the tall Zinnia Lilac Empress with grasses like Pennisetums, tall annuals like Cleomes or Snapdragons. They can also be sown in pots to embellish terraces during the summer. Attracting bees and butterflies thanks to their nectar, these plants promote biodiversity in the garden.

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