Zinnia (Zinnia marylandica 'Pas553645' ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE)
Zinnia marylandica 'Pas553645' ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE offers continuous, disease-resistant, double red-orange blooms, ideal for annual bedding.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE is a highly valued annual celebrated for its exceptional durability and near-constant display of vibrant color until the first hard frost. This hybrid variety, a cross between two distinct Zinnia species, was developed to offer superior disease resistance compared to older garden types. Gardeners rely on this Zinnia for continuous, low-fuss color across various landscape settings.
This compact Zinnia variety typically reaches under a foot tall, making it perfect for neat edging and full container arrangements. Its prolific nature means that once established in full sun, the Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE rewards the gardener with striking, double, red-orange flowers measuring around 2 1/2 inches across.
As a quintessential summer annual flower, this Zinnia ensures borders remain lively throughout the warm season. Its relatively manageable size and noted disease resistance mean less effort for more visual impact, solidifying its role as a go-to choice for reliable summer performance.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Annual
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Bloom Time: June to frost
- Bloom Description: Red-orange (double)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE thrives when sown directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Select a site that receives full sun exposure throughout the day, as insufficient light can lead to leggier growth and reduced blooming. This Zinnia prefers rich, humusy, evenly moist, well-drained soils, so amending heavy clay or very sandy soils with compost before planting is highly recommended.
For season-long performance, sow seed directly every two to three weeks until the end of June. If you desire exceptionally early spring color, you can start seeds indoors four to six weeks prior to the last expected frost date, setting out the young seedlings only once the weather has consistently warmed. Pinching the young plants can help encourage a more compact and bushy habit, leading to a denser display of foliage and flowers.
Watering should be consistent, aiming for medium moisture levels, especially crucial during peak summer heat when flowering may slow if the plant dries out too much. Good air circulation is vital for Zinnia health; spacing plants appropriately prevents fungal issues from taking hold on the leaves. Deadheading spent blooms regularly is an effective technique to maximize the production of new flowers on the Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE.
Landscape Uses
This specific Zinnia cultivar shines in mixed borders, mass plantings in beds, and traditional cottage gardens where its low-growing, mounding habit provides excellent foreground texture. Because the Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE blooms so continuously, it functions perfectly as a bedding plant to hold color between later-blooming perennials.
Its upright yet compact structure makes it an excellent candidate for container gardening, either as a cheerful “thriller” or a complementary “filler” nestled among trailing annuals. Furthermore, the sturdy stems and prolific blooms ensure that this Zinnia is highly suitable for cutting gardens, providing abundant material for continuous indoor arrangements throughout the summer.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Zinnia marylandica is a hybrid between Z. Angustifolia and Z. Violacea, developed at the University of Maryland in the 1980s. ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE is a compact, prolific blooming, disease resistant, double-flowered zinnia that typically rises to 8-12” tall on upright, branching, hairy stems. Its AAS award-winning status in 2010 confirms its superior garden performance, particularly in climates challenged by common Zinnia diseases.
Tolerances
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
ZINNIA marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE is specifically bred for resistance to common issues like powdery mildew and leaf spot, making it much lower maintenance in this regard. However, gardeners should remain vigilant as root rots can occur if drainage is poor, and cultural conditions that stress the plant can lead to blights. Insect pests such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and larval forms like Japanese beetles and caterpillars may occasionally feed on the foliage or stems, requiring prompt monitoring and treatment if infestations become severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Zinnia suitable for?
This specific Zinnia variety is hardy and reliable across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 2 through 11.
When does Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE bloom?
Blooming occurs continuously from early June right up until the arrival of killing frost, displaying striking red-orange double flowers.
How large does Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE grow?
This compact variety usually achieves a height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, with a spread ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Zinnia need?
For the best flowering and resistance to disease, this Zinnia requires full sun exposure daily.
Conclusion
The Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE presents an outstanding combination of reliable performance, compact habit, and excellent disease resistance, making it a staple for season-long summer color. If you are looking for dependable, vibrant blooms without constant fuss, this specific Zinnia is an excellent choice. Ensure you have full sun and well-drained soil when planning your planting dates after the last spring frost.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions, consider plants that share the need for full sun and consistent moisture, creating a cohesive planting scheme for your beds. Taller plants that might shade the Zinnia should be placed behind it, respecting its need for good air circulation. Good neighbors include drought-tolerant, sun-loving herbs like lavender or rosemary, though ensure the Zinnia’s medium water needs are met separately if companions prefer drier feet.
For dynamic mixed borders, pair the bold red-orange of the Zinnia with contrasting cool colors like blue or purple Salvia or silver-leafed Calocephalus. These combinations enhance the visual intensity of the double Zinnia flowers while maintaining similar cultural or height requirements within the row.
Design Ideas for Containers
The compact structure of Zinnia marylandica ‘Pas553645’ ZAHARA DOUBLE FIRE makes it a perfect “filler” element in mixed patio containers. Position it near the center or slightly off-center, allowing its bushy, upright form to provide mid-level color density beneath taller spikes or above trailing spillers.
When planting containers, ensure the pot has excellent drainage, as this prevents the root rots that can plague annuals grown in static, waterlogged soil environments. Use a high-quality potting mix amended with extra grit or perlite to enhance internal aeration, which the Zinnia appreciates for healthy root development.
