Prairie Zinnia
Prairie zinnia is a compact, mounded perennial flower with thin, needle-like leaves. This native plant is especially valuable for its heat and drought tolerance.
Even more, it blooms from mid summer through fall, constantly producing bright yellow flowers which turn into papery seeds. It grows best in hot sunny areas with well-drained soil.
Prairie Zinnia
Prairie zinnia is a compact, mounded perennial flower with thin, needle-like leaves. This native plant is especially valuable for its heat and drought tolerance.
Even more, it blooms from mid summer through fall, constantly producing bright yellow flowers which turn into papery seeds. It grows best in hot sunny areas with well-drained soil.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Zinnia grandiflora
Pronunciation
ZIN-ya gran-dih-FLOR-uh
Mature Height
4 to 8 in.
Mature Spread
12 to 15 in.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
yellow
Bloom time
summer to fall
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
central southern United States and northern Mexico
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,000 ft.
Performance
Prairie zinnia has proven to be one of the most heat and drought tolerant perennial flowers at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. The continual production of bright yellow flowers is amazing. It makes a great filler plant among other perennials and shrubs in very low water areas.
Prairie zinnia stays dormant late into spring. It is one of the latest plants to green up, but its spectacular show is worth the wait.
Maintenance
Remove old plant material in spring before new growth starts.