At this time of summer, certain annuals stand out as seemingly impervious to heat and drought. The profusion series of zinnias is one such annual. These 12"-15" high bushy zinnias bloom continuously in white, yellow, apricot, orange and pink tones. Their compact size and prolific flowering capacity make them ideal for the front of planting beds, where they can reign as the star act for the season.
Profusion zinnias are relatively new introductions, a result of crossing zinnia elegans and zinnia angustifolia. They combine their parents' mildew resistance and showy flowers. Since the new leaves and blooms extend above the old ones, they maintain a neat, fresh appearance with minimal deadheading. The 2 inch wide flowers may be single or double, and tend to fade in color as they age. Park Seed Company has a large selection of colors.
We grow profusion zinnias from seed so that we can be sure to have our choice of colors. Deep red-orange 'Fire' is our top favorite and you’ll see it throughout the gardens at Fearrington. But you’ll also find Apricot, Deep Apricot, Cherry, Yellow, and Orange profusion zinnias scattered in many sunny beds across the Village Center. They really help carry the beds between spring and fall when so many other plants are in bloom.