Zinnia

What does Zinnia look like?

Zinnias are annuals, shrubs, or sub-shrubs with upright or sometimes spreading stems, usually between 10 and 100 cm tall. Their leaves are opposite, stalkless, and range from narrow to oval in shape. The flowers have a daisy-like look, with a single or double row of petals in colors like white, yellow, orange, red, purple, lilac, or chartreuse. Each flower head consists of outer ray florets and a central cluster of disc florets, sometimes in contrasting colors. Zinnias attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Where does Zinnia come from?

Zinnia is native to dry grasslands and scrub from the southwestern United States through Mexico, with some species in South America. The greatest diversity is found in Mexico. The genus was named after Johann Gottfried Zinn, who collected seeds in Mexico in the 18th century. Zinnias were introduced to Europe in the 1700s, with Z. elegans arriving around 1790. Over time, breeders developed many new colors and forms, making zinnias popular worldwide.

When and how Zinnia blooms

Zinnias are usually grown as annuals from seed sown directly in the soil, as they do not transplant well due to fragile roots. They prefer full sun, well-drained, fertile soil, and regular watering. Zinnias bloom from summer until the first frost, and deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms. They can reseed themselves in the garden. Most are grown for their showy flowers, which come in single, semi-double, or double forms.

How Zinnia is used

Zinnias are widely grown in gardens for their bright, long-lasting flowers and are often used in bouquets. Their blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a favorite in pollinator gardens. Some species are edible, though they are mostly used as garnish due to a bitter taste. Zinnias are also grown as companion plants to help control garden pests. In the language of flowers, they have come to represent thoughts of absent friends.

Kinds of Zinnia

There are over 20 species of zinnia, with Zinnia elegans and Zinnia angustifolia being the most widely grown. Z. elegans is known for its tall stature and broad range of colors, while Z. angustifolia is more compact with delicate, usually yellow, orange, or white flowers. Hybrids, such as the 'Profusion' series, combine traits from both species, offering mildew resistance and a variety of flower forms. Over 100 cultivars have been bred.

What Zinnia means

Zinnias have been cultivated since the 18th century and are now popular garden flowers worldwide. In the Victorian language of flowers, zinnias symbolize remembrance and thoughts of friends who are far away. Zinnias were the first flowering plants grown on the International Space Station, helping scientists study plant growth in microgravity. Their ability to attract pollinators adds ecological value to gardens.

Traditions that use it

Questions people ask about Zinnia

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Zinnia on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data