Zinnia

( ZINN - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering annuals and perennials needs full sun and regular water. The bright flowers on these plants will attract pollinators such as birds and butterflies to your garden. They are classic garden flowers that bloom in summer and early fall.

Zinnia Species and Varietals

The best growing zones for Zinnia are 1-24, H1 and H2, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. See the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Zinnia acerosa (Desert Zinnia, Wild Zinnia, White Zinnia, Spinyleaf Zinnia)
This perennial is best in zones 10-24 and is native to southern Arizona, Texas and Mexico. It reaches 6-10 inches tall and 2 feet wide. Leaves are needle-like and flowers are creamy white; petals are veined with green underneath. Blooms pop intermittently from spring through fall and respond to moisture. These plants will go dormant during extended drought.

Zinnia angustifolia (Narrowleaf Zinnia)
This compact annual reaches 16 inches tall and just as wide, with narrow leaves and orange flowers. Each petal has a pale orange stripe. Bloom continues into late fall. Popular varieties include 'Golden Eye' and 'Star White' (both with white rays that are yellow towards the center of the flower head) and those in the Classic and Star series (which bloom in shades of orange, yellow and white).

​Zinnia elegans (Common Zinnia, Youth-And-Age, Elegant Zinnia)
This native of Mexico varies in height from one to over four feet tall and about half as wide. Flowers bloom in summertime and range from 1 to 5-7 inches across. Flower forms include double, cactus-flowered, and crested, and can come in a range of colors including white, pink, rose, red, salmon, lavender, yellow, orange, and purple. Flowers can be solid or multiple colors. Variety 'Envy' has green flowers.

​Zinnia grandiflora (Prairie Zinnia, Rocky Mountain Zinnia, Plains Zinnia)
Best in zones 2-24, this species is native to the Rocky Mountains south into Mexico. It reaches 4-6 inches tall and has bright green leaves. Flowers bloom spring through fall and are bright yellow with orange eyes. Can get by with little supplemental water, but performs best with regular water.

Zinnia haageana
This annual species of Zinnia is native to Mexico and the Southeastern United States and reaches 2 feet tall and half as wide. They bloom over a long summer season. Varieties include 'Persian Carpet' (to a foot tall) and 'Old Mexico' (to 16 inches tall) both have flowers in red, yellow, and orange, usually all mixed into the same flower.

​Zinnia marylandica
This annual Zinnia is mildew-tolerant and comes in a range of colors, including white, red, yellow and orange. Flowers can be solid or bicolored, and plants reach 1.5-2 feet tall and wide. Flowers are usually double.

Zinnia peruviana (Zinnia pauciflora) (Bonita Zinnia, Peruvian Zinnia)
This annual flower is native to Argentina through the Southern United States and reaches 3 feet tall and just as wide. Flowers are red or gold, blooming profusely in summertime. The flowers are great in dried arrangements.

Caring for Zinnia

Plant in late spring or early summer, and provide with water at the base of the plant. Provide nutrient-rich soil and fertilizer. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Mildew

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Zinnia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 660 - 661, Zinnia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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