Zinnia elegans Scabiosa Flowered Mix

From the large Asteraceae family, the Zinnia with Scabiosa-like flowers is a vigorous annual plant (80cm (32in) tall by 25cm (10in) wide) that produces numerous flowers from July to the first frost. It is a creation of a horticultural company from southern Italy called the Zinnia elegans Scabiosa Flowered Mix.

Its rigid and well-branched stems bear large, round and pointed pale green leaves. The medium-sized flowers measuring 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, are terminal and solitary, displaying vibrant and shimmering colours: scarlet red, bright pink, yellow, orange, white.

The flowers are heads with a rounded central part composed of thin and tight petals. At the base of the flower, a collar of wider petals gives the flower its striking resemblance to the Scabiosa flower.

Its slender bush-like habit makes it suitable for planting in the middle of flower beds. This elegant Zinnia prefers a warm and sunny location. Its water requirements are fairly low, and it thrives in a well-drained soil. Although the flowers are not fragrant, they attract butterflies that come to feed on their nectar.

The rigid stems of the Italian Zinnia, also known as the Crested Zinnia, have excellent vase life and can be used to create colourful summer bouquets. Combine it in your flower beds as well as in your bouquets with the true perennial Scabiosa, whose colours will complement each other.