Profusion Zinnia

Zinnia
Zinnia 'Profusion Apricot'
(ZIN-ya)

While these Zinnias were certainly fading when this picture was taken you can still see the nice bushy habit and color range of Park Seed’s ‘Profusion’ series. To me this group of zinnias has been one of the best and brightest breakthroughs in annual breeding in some time. The compact habit, bright colors and most of all the disease resistance is amazing. If you have ever grown floppy, mildew covered Zinnias and maybe like me given up on them then ‘Profusion’ is for you. They keep coming out with new colors and there are several double types available now. Hopefully more and more growers will catch on to these flowers and they will be more available to us gardeners.

For more flower pictures from around the world check out:
Today’s Flowers . The links open at 1400 GMT.


Since it is Sunday here is a bonus picture. Not a flower more like a botanical oddity, which I had heard about but had never seen growing.

Fingered Citron
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus
(SIT-rus)
Synonyms: Buddha's Hand


This plant was observed at Wave Hill in the Bronx. It is a small tree with a thorny crown. Quite tender (like most Citrus) so it was growing in a pot. There is really no flesh inside the fingers but the peel is highly scented and is often candied to make succade. The zest can also be used for salads.