Popular Zinnia Varieties Every Gardener Should Know and Grow at Least Once in Their Lifetime

One of the most popular and easiest annual flowers to grow is the zinnia. It’s no wonder zinnias enjoy such popularity. They’re low-maintenance and the perfect candidate for first-time flower growers. Plus, there are many types of zinnias that come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes.

These colorful annuals originated in Mexico, but are widely grown in gardens around the world today. There are 22 accepted species of zinnia flowers and hundreds more varieties, cultivars, and hybrids available.

With such a dizzying array of zinnia varieties, it can be difficult to decide what type to plant. To help you decide, I’ll walk you through the different types of zinnias and how to use them in your landscape for the most beautiful displays.

Common Zinnia Varieties

There are 22 accepted species of zinnia that are all part of the aster family. The Aztecs called zinnias “plants hard on the eyes” due to their brilliantly colored blooms.

These exuberantly colorful blooms were named after the German botany professor, Johann Gottfried Zinn, who was responsible for their discovery and subsequent import to Europe in the 1700s.

The original zinnia has come a long way from its original form due to hybridization and selective breeding. Today, zinnias come in a wide array of colors and sizes from 6 inches (15 cm) to almost 4 feet (1.2 m) in height.

Zinnia varieties range in appearance from dahlia-like blooms to cactus flower types or beehive shapes that may be single or double-petaled.

1. Zinnia elegans

The most common type of zinnia is Zinnia elegans. These beautiful types of flowers range in size from the diminutive ‘Thumbelina’ to the enormous 4 foot (1.2 m) tall ‘Benary’s Giant’, both of which are available from Botanical Interests. These types of zinnias can have semi-double to double-petaled dahlia-like flowers or blooms composed of rolled petals.

Some of the most common types of Z. elegans are:

• ‘Dasher’
• ‘Peter Pan’
• ‘Pulcino’
• ‘Short Stuff’
• ‘Zesty’
• ‘Lilliput’ dwarf zinnia seeds are available on Amazon
• ‘Oklahoma’ is a classic double-bloomed variety you can get from Burpee
• ‘Ruffles’
• ‘State Fair’ is a very popular zinnia available from Burpee

2. Zinnia angustifolia

Then we have the extremely drought and heat-resistant flowers, Z. angustifolia, which are also referred to as a narrow-leaf zinnia. This low-growing species comes in hues from golden yellow to white or orange.

Of all the zinnia plant types, Z. angustifolia is the best choice for problem areas such as parking strips, sidewalks, and along roadways. The extreme temperatures radiating from the concrete would kill most plants but not narrow-leaf zinnia. You can get narrow-leaf zinnia seeds from Etsy.

Common cultivars of Z. angustifolia available include:

• ‘Gold Star’
• ‘White Star’
• ‘Orange Star’
• ‘Crystal White’
• ‘Crystal Yellow’

3. Hybrid Zinnias

The ‘Profusion’ zinnia is a disease-resistant hybrid that thrives in hot, dry weather. Composed of the best of Z. angustifolia and Z. elegans, Profusion zinnias grow to about a foot (30 cm) tall with a neat, naturally branching and clumping habit.

Profusion Series zinnia seeds are available from Park Seed. Some popular types of Profusion hybrid zinnias include:

• ‘Apricot’
• ‘Cherry’
• ‘Coral Pink’
• ‘Double Cherry’
• ‘Fire’
• ‘Orange’
• ‘White’

Choosing the Right Zinnias

Picking the right types of zinnias for your landscape depends upon your particular needs and desires for your garden. With so many zinnia varieties available, there’s a beautiful kind for every garden. Here are some ideas for different uses in your landscape and the best cultivars to try.

Dwarf Zinnias for Small Spaces

Dwarf zinnias are most commonly planted in flower borders and reach around 10 inches (25 cm) in height at maturity. Noted for their small size, these short plants grow well when interplanted with other annual and perennial flowers and shrubs. You can also grow dwarf zinnias in pots.

While the plants remain small throughout the growing season, this is not indicative of potential bloom size. Flower size will vary depending upon the zinnia variety which is being grown. Popular dwarf zinnias include:

• ‘Dreamland Mix’
• ‘Magellan Mix’ dwarf zinnia seeds are available from Park Seed
• ‘Star Starbright’

Pretty Landscape Zinnias for Curb Appeal

Much like dwarf zinnias, the below zinnia plant cultivars are commonly used in landscaping and in flower borders.

Growing somewhat taller, usually up to about 20 inches (50 cm), these zinnia flowers bloom continuously throughout the growing season, creating a show-stopping display of color. Here are some of the best zinnias for an instant boost of curb appeal:

• ‘Zahara’ Series zinnia seeds from Eden Brothers are available on Amazon
• Profusion Series
• Mexican zinnia (Z. haageana)

Best Zinnias for Cutting Gardens

Though cultivated in the same manner as other kinds of zinnias, some zinnia varieties are specifically suited for use in cut flower gardens. These stunning, tall plants make a huge visual impact in the landscape and they also attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Reaching heights of over 4 feet (1 m) tall at maturity, zinnia plants for the cutting garden continue blooming throughout the summer, especially as you harvest blooms for bouquets and flower arrangements. Some of the best zinnias for cutting gardens are:

• ‘Queen Red Lime’
• ‘Giant Cactus Mix’ zinnias are available from Botanical Interests
• ‘Burpeeana Giants Mix’ is available online from Burpee
• ‘Uproar Rose’
• ‘Peppermint Stick’ zinnia seeds from Eden Brothers are available on Amazon

You can direct sow zinnias outdoors after all chance of frost has passed in the spring. Then these classic annual flowers thrive with little attention or care. Gardens that receive ample sunlight and warmth throughout the growing season will enjoy a colorful display of bright, vibrant blooms.