Here I will showcase many varieties of Zinnias. In my opinion, they are one of the most underappreciated annuals around. They come in a multitude of colors and sizes. They are so easy to grow, that even novice gardeners can have success. You can even work them into a perennial flower bed, for added color.
One thing that makes them so versatile, is the fact that some varieties grow not much bigger than six inches, and some grow to be several feet tall. You can have two varieties in your flower garden....a short one in the front, and a tall one in the back.
If you are looking for an easy to grow annual flower, the Zinnia would be one of my top picks.
Photo: Image
Zinnia, an Underappreciated Annual Flower
by pawpaw
I never could understand why more people don't grow Zinnias. Growing up, we always had them. They have so much going for them. Hardy, many varieties, heat tolerant, and beautiful.
The Versatility of Zinnias
Looking for a low growing flower, with small flowers. Think Zinnia.
Looking for a very tall growing flower, with huge flowers. Think Zinnia.
Zinnias range from the Thumbelina Zinnia, that grows to only about 6 inches or so tall, with flowers only about an inch across, to the Giant Zinnias, that can grow over 4 feet tall, and have flowers that can be 6 inches across.
Butterflies Love Them
If you are thinking of starting a butterfly garden, or would just like to have a few more of them, Zinnias are a good choice for attracting butterflies. Hummingbirds might pay a visit to them occasionally too.
 |
 |
Thumbelina Zinnias
Lets start on the small end of the scale. These are so small, that they can easily be grown in containers, which means even people in apartments could enjoy them, with enough lighting. Would work in a container on your deck or patio.
They also work well, in small space flower beds. They can be used up front in your flower beds, because of their short height.
 | 100 Seeds, Zinnia "Thumbelina Mixture" (Zinnia elegans) Seeds By Seed Needs All America Winner! The compact dome-shaped plants start to bloom when only 3" tall. Semi-double and single 1 ¼" flowers are excellent for pots, low beds and edging from mid-sum... |
 | Zinnia Thumbelina Seeds 'Thumbelina' has petite 1.5" flowers in a wide range of colors including white, pink, salmon, rose, red, yellow, orange, lavender, and purple. These charming extra dwarf Zinnias... |
 | Burpee 44651 Zinnia Thumbelina Mix Seed Packet All America Winner! The compact dome-shaped plants start to bloom when only 3" tall. Semi-double and single 1 ¼" flowers are excellent for pots, low beds and edging from mid-sum... |
Fancy Varieties of Zinnia
Like any flower, people have been working on trying to produce new and exciting varieties for many years. They have some up with some real gorgeous ones.
Some have flowers that have multiple colored blooms. Some even have some flower petals that are uniquely shaped. One variety I like are the candy striped ones.
Giant Zinnias
The Giant Zinnias, are perfect for the back of a flower bed, because they grow so tall. Some can grow over 4 feet tall. They also have large flowers, with some being 4 to 6 inches across. They can usually be found in individual colors, or in packets of mixed colors.
One great thing about them, is that they produce lots of flowers, so you can have a fresh bouquet of flowers in a vase to enjoy often.
Updated: 08/20/2013, pawpaw
You might also like
Flowers That Hummingbirds Like. My FavoritesIf you have Hummingbirds in your area, you might be searching for flowers or ...
The Southport Flower ShowSouthport Flower Show is a long-established event in Lancashire, North West E...
Disclosure: This page generates income for authors based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google and others.
Camo Samsung Galaxy Phone Caseson 11/21/2014
1957 Chevy Bel Air. My dream caron 10/15/2014
Gift for Seniors....Things With Big Numbers and Letterson 05/09/2013
Puck Magazine, Very Collectible For a Number of Reasonson 05/06/2013
Comments
I can almost picture that in my mind.
My grandfather always had bunches of zinnias growing in his huge, combo veggie and flower garden.
I love peonies too, but I think if I was running the state of Indiana, I would have stayed with Zinnias.
We usually have some. They are very easy to grow. The former state flower of Indiana, until it was replaced by the peony. Not sure why.
Glad you liked them. I'm going to give them a go this year....maybe some new types.
Thanks for sharing that story of a very special memory. My mother planted Zinnias every year, until she was unable.
Wow! They are indeed very pretty flowers, the truth is I have seen them before but I never knew they were called Zinnias. The color variety is impressive, Thanks for sharing.
You've brought me back some very fond memories of my very first flower garden. Mom appointed me a little patch of her garden and a packet of Zinnia seeds. I love all the bright and vibrant colors! And they actually managed to survive and thrive even thru my very novice attempts at gardening.