Grow Your Own Cut Flowers with Zinnia elegans Benary’s Giant Bright Pink

Zinnia elegans Benary’s Giant Bright Pink adds a bold splash of vibrant colour to your garden with its large, double blooms in a striking cotton-candy pink hue. Bred by the renowned German horticulturist Ernst Benary in the mid-20th century, this variety is prized for its strong stems, exceptional disease resistance, and long-lasting flowers. Ideal for sunny borders, mixed flower beds, and cutting gardens, Zinnia elegans Benary’s Giant Bright Pink provides a stunning display of colour throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

Zinnia elegans Benary’s Giant Bright Pink thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This heat-tolerant and drought-resistant variety is perfect for UK summers. Growing to a height of 90–120 cm (3–4 feet), it creates eye-catching vertical interest in flower beds and borders.

Planting Guide

Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, or start them indoors 4–6 weeks earlier for an early start. Plant seeds at a depth of 0.6 cm (¼ inch), spacing them 30 cm (12 inches) apart to allow for full growth. Germination occurs within 7–10 days when soil temperatures reach 15°C or higher.

Care & Maintenance

Water plants at the base to prevent mildew, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms and extend the flowering period. Light feeding with a balanced fertiliser promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Flowering & Cut Flower Tips

Zinnia elegans Benary’s Giant Bright Pink produces continuous blooms from early summer until the first frost. For floral arrangements, harvest flowers early in the morning when they are fully open to ensure maximum vase life. Pinching the first buds encourages branching, leading to a fuller plant and more blooms.

Garden Impact

Zinnia elegans Benary’s Giant Bright Pink attracts pollinators such as butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in your garden. Its vibrant pink flowers pair beautifully with other summer blooms, creating stunning displays in borders and flower beds. Combine with contrasting foliage plants for added visual appeal.

Additional Notes

At the end of the season, collect dried seed heads to save seeds for future planting. Store seeds in a cool, dry place for the best results.