Alphabetical Plant Listing

Zinnia: Plant Care and Growing Guide

Zinnias, Zinnia elegans, Zinnia angustifolia, Common Zinnia, Elegant Zinnia


Zinnia plants are easy-to-grow, colorful annuals that bloom all summer long, making them a perfect addition to any garden or bouquet. They are easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. 

What is Zinnia?

Plant: Zinnias are popular annual flowers native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They have been cultivated for centuries for their bright and long-lasting blooms.

Hardiness: Zinnias are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season and do not survive frost. In terms of USDA hardiness zones, zinnias are typically grown in zones 2-11 as annuals. 

Height: Some zinnias are low-growing and compact, while others can grow quite tall. Generally, most zinnias range in height from 6 inches (15 cm) to 4 feet (120 cm). 

Flowers: The flowers can be single or double, and the petals can be rounded, pointed, or quilled. Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and white. 

Blooming season: One of the most appealing features of zinnias is their long-lasting blooms. They start blooming in early summer and continue until the first frost.

Uses: Zinnias make great border plants and can be used to create a colorful edge around a garden bed. They are terrific for container gardening and are also popular as cut flowers.

Pollinators: Zinnias are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They are a great addition to any pollinator garden and are also wonderful companion plants for fruits and vegetables. 

Diseases: Zinnias are relatively disease-resistant, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to minimize the use of chemicals in their garden.

Deer: Zinnias are generally not favored by deer, as they have a bitter taste and tough texture that deer find unappetizing.

What is Special about Zinnia?

Zinnias are a popular garden plant known for their bright, showy blooms and ease of care. Some of the special features of zinnias include:

  1. Wide range of colors: Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, from bold, bright shades like red, orange, and yellow, to softer pastel hues like pink, lavender, and cream.

  2. Long blooming period: Zinnias are known for their long blooming period, which can last from mid-summer to the first frost in some regions.

  3. Easy to grow: Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and require minimal care, making them a great choice for novice gardeners.

  4. Attracts pollinators: Zinnias are a favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a great choice for gardens focused on supporting wildlife.

  5. Versatile: Zinnias are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of settings, from mixed borders and cottage gardens to containers and cut flower arrangements.

Main Zinnia Varieties

There are several different species of Zinnia, each with its own unique features and growing requirements, including

  1. Zinnia elegans (Common Zinnia): This is the most commonly grown zinnia species and includes both single and double-flowered varieties. They typically have large blooms and come in a wide range of colors.

  2. Zinnia angustifolia (Creeping Zinnia): This species is known for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and smaller, daisy-like flowers. It is often used as a groundcover or border plant.

  3. Zinnia haageana (Haage Zinnia): This species has smaller, single, or double-flowered blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and red. It is often grown in mixed borders or as a cut flower.

  4. Zinnia tenuifolia (Red Spider Zinnia): This species produces small, bright red or orange spidery flowers. It is often used as a border or container plant.

  5. Zinnia peruviana (Peruvian Zinnia): This species is native to South America and is known for its large, red, deep pink, yellow or orange flowers. It is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Zinnia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Compare All Zinnia Great Plant Combination Ideas with Zinnia Guides with Zinnia

mariokinhed, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Zinnia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Compare All Zinnia Great Plant Combination Ideas with Zinnia Guides with Zinnia

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