Zinnia
Zinnia elegans
Family: Asteraceae · Also called Youth-and-Old-Age, Common Zinnia, Zinnia violacea var. coccinea, Zinnia elegans var. alba, Crassina elegans
Earthy & Warm · Summer–Autumn bloomer
The zinnia is the workhorse of the summer garden, a generous, uncomplaining flower that blooms prolifically in the hottest months when other plants wilt. From dwarf varieties to four-foot-tall giants, from simple daisies to elaborate cactus-flowered forms, zinnias come in every color except blue and cover every shape in the composite family.
endurance, lasting affection, goodness, remembrance of absent friends
In the Victorian language of flowers, zinnia means “Thoughts of an absent friend”. Zinnias were the first flowers grown in space, astronaut Scott Kelly grew them on the International Space Station in 2016. The Aztecs called them 'plants that are hard to look at' because early wild species were quite dull. Centuries of breeding transformed them into the vibrant garden staples we know today.
Did You Know?
Zinnias were the first flowers successfully grown and bloomed in space. In January 2016, astronaut Scott Kelly posted photos of orange zinnias he grew aboard the ISS, proving that flowering plants can complete their full lifecycle in microgravity.
Grasslands and dry hillsides of Mexico and southwestern United States
Zinnia is native to Mexico. It naturally grows in grasslands and dry hillsides of mexico and southwestern united states.
Scent Profile
“A mild, earthy warmth, zinnias are pure color and form, a feast for the eyes rather than the nose.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameZinnia elegans
- FamilyAsteraceae
- Native ToMexico
- Bloom SeasonSummer–Autumn
- LifespanAnnual
Cultural Significance
Zinnias were the first flowers grown in space, astronaut Scott Kelly grew them on the International Space Station in 2016. The Aztecs called them 'plants that are hard to look at' because early wild species were quite dull. Centuries of breeding transformed them into the vibrant garden staples we know today.