Most gardeners love zinnias, with their bright blossoms in all the colors of the rainbow, save blue. There are tall- and short-growing varieties, ones with single or double blossoms- some are even bicolored. But many share a susceptibility to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that covers the leaves with an unsightly coating of grayish-white.

So we are always happy to learn of new varieties that show resistance to this problem. ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ is one such zinnia, with delightful single, rose and white bicolor flowers on a 12 to 14-inch tall plant. Not only is it resistant to mildew and leaf spot, it is heat and drought tolerant as well. It‘s a great choice for color all season long in the flower garden or in a container. Bred by Pan-American Seeds, ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ is a 2010 All-America Selections Bedding Plant Award winner.

For more information on ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ zinna, go to: All-America Selections.