Full hot sun; an annual with dahlia-like flowers in warm shades of yellow, orange, pink and white. Mildew affects many zinnias in humid summer weather. ‘Dreamland’ is considered somewhat resistant, but give it plentiful air circulation (18′ spacing) and avoid wetting the leaves. ‘Profusion’ is more xeric, and often used as a bedding plant.
Zinnias are native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico. There are a few native to Texas, but they aren’t available commercially.