Desert zinnia

Zinnia grandiflora

Family:: Asteraceae
Elevation:: 3,000 ft – 7,000 ft
Bloom:: Jun – Oct
Region:: Southwest

A low, spreading mat of fine green foliage covered through the hot months in bright golden-yellow daisies that age to papery tan. A drought-proof little groundcover for the toughest sunbaked spots.

Care · tuned to the Southwest

Water

Exceptionally drought tolerant; thrives on rainfall alone once established. Overwatering rots it and causes rank growth. Comes into peak bloom with summer monsoon moisture.

Sun & exposure

Full, open sun and reflected heat; needs strong light to bloom well and stay compact.

Soil

Wants lean, gritty, fast-draining soil; excels in rocky, gravelly, sandy, and alkaline or caliche ground. Dislikes rich or wet soil.

In the Southwest

Cold hardy to around 0°F; dies back and returns in late spring. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form a mat and reseeds. Shear off faded flowers to tidy. A late-summer nectar plant for butterflies and small bees.

Common problems & fixes

Root rot from overwatering — crowns rot in rich, moist, or poorly drained soil
Fix — Site in lean, sharply drained soil in full sun and water infrequently, especially in monsoon humidity.
Warm-season dormancy looks dead — browns out in cold and gets pulled
Fix — Leave dormant plants alone through winter; they leaf out again from the roots once soil warms.

Pets & toxicity

Not known to be toxic to dogs or cats.

Easy to confuse with

White desert zinnia (Zinnia acerosa) — white to cream petals
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) — yellow daisies with aromatic needle-like foliage

Sources

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