Colorchallenge - Monday red - Zinnia elegans

Roses are red but so are these zinnias. Zinnia flowers can be just about any color - except blue - so from white to pink, green, orange, purple and today I will share these beautiful red zinnias with you.

This elegant flower is appropriately named the elegant zinnia or the latin Zinnia elegans. The bloom sits on a long stem and looks very regal. The head of red petals form a quilted or parasol pattern and surrounds an interior of yellow seeds and pollen which becomes more apparent as the bloom opens and age.

The Zinnia is a popular garden plant - so it is often very well known. It is also an annual flowering plant - therefore you will be able to enjoy them all summer.

They grow easily, even in poor soil as long as it is well drained. They are also well suited as house plants. Despite looking delicate they are sturdy plants which do not require much nurturing. Zinnias love the sun and dry weather. As a result they are loved by gardeners. However, butterflies love them too and are very attracted to their vivid petals.

"Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower." John Harrigan