Zinnnia

Zinnia species and cultivars

(Zinnia elegans, Z. angustifolia and countless cultivars)

ZIN-ee-ah

Asteraceae

Explanation of name: Genus named for German botanist Johann Zinn

Natural range: Mexico

Recognition:  The leaves are entire.  The flowers come in essentially every color except blue tones.  They are often doubled.  Extremely showy.

Landscape uses:  Classic annual bedding plant with very showy flowers in many colors.  BLT gives Feb.-March and Aug.-Sept. as planting times in S. Florida.  Susceptible to foliar fungi, especially in summer. Can be grown from seeds, and are self-seeding. 

Internet sources: http://www.botany.com/zinnia.html

http://hendry.ifas.ufl.edu/HCHortNews_Zinnia.htm