In recent years, zinnias have experienced a resurgence in popularity among gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike. Their appeal lies not just in their bold colours but also in their versatility; zinnias are equally at home in formal garden settings as they are in wildflower meadows or cottage gardens, blending seamlessly with other annuals and perennials. They are also known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. A symbol of endurance, they are one of the longest-blooming flowers and they are also a popular cut flower for floral arrangements due to their decorative life of up to ten days.

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HISTORICAL ROOTS AND LEGENDS

Scientifically known as Zinnia elegans (meaning elegant) the zinnia traces its origins to Mexico and the Americas. Unlike most flowers, their genus name is not derived from Latin, but instead named after the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. Zinn was also an anatomist, and the first to provide a comprehensive study of the human eye. When 18th century Spanish explorers came across the little zinnia, a wildflower, in Mexico, they must not have been very impressed, as they named it “mal de ojos”, meaning sickness of the eye.

Zinnias’ cultivation and significance in indigenous cultures predate these encounters, of course. In Aztec tradition, zinnias were associated with reverence for the sun god, as their bright petals mirrored the sun’s radiance.

The species Zinnia grandiflora is considered one of the sacred Life Medicines of the Navajo tribe, and their flowers and leaves are used by many southwestern tribes as medicinal and ritual herbs. To some Pueblo tribes, zinnias are a symbol of wisdom, and they were fed to young children in hopes of making them grow up intelligent and well-spoken. Zinnias were also used to make bright colours for textile dyes and paints.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

Throughout history, zinnias have left their mark beyond gardens. In the early 20th century, American botanist and horticulturist Luther Burbank used zinnias in his pioneering experiments to develop new plant varieties, demonstrating their importance in botanical research and breeding. Their resilience and adaptability continue to inspire gardeners and scientists to explore new possibilities in floral cultivation.

In January 2016, Zinnias became the first cultivated flower to bloom in space. Astronaut Scott Kelly announced the momentous occasion on Twitter with a photo of the bloom, being used in NASA’s research on how gardening and plant care can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress in humans, such as on long space missions. 

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MEANING AND SYMBOLISM

Zinnias carry a spectrum of meanings across different cultures. In the Victorian era, they symbolized thoughts of absent friends, making them popular choices in bouquets exchanged between loved ones. Today, they are often seen as symbols of endurance, goodness, and constancy, reflecting their ability to thrive in various conditions and climates. This stalwart flower is believed to mean joyous endurance, happy to bloom in the heat of summer and continues to put forth beautiful flowers. Consequently, zinnias make a meaningful gift for a friend who is going through a tough time.

VARIETIES AND COLOURS

One of the defining features of zinnias is their diversity in colour and form. From fiery reds to delicate pastels and even bi-color patterns, zinnias offer endless options for gardeners to express their creativity. They come in shades of red, orange, magenta, apricot, yellow, white, lilac and even lime green. Popular varieties include the classic 'Benary's Giant', known for its large blooms and strong stems, and 'Thumbelina', a compact variety perfect for borders and containers.

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GROWING ZINNIAS

Zinnias are relatively easy to grow, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance once established. Sowing seeds directly into the ground after the last frost date ensures robust growth throughout the summer, starting about 4 weeks from planting. You can count on a gorgeous show of colour from early summer to the first frost. Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) leads to continuous flowering and prevents the flower from going to seed prematurely. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring zinnias remain the focal point of your garden beds.