Are There Blue Zinnias? 14 Types of Striking Zinnia Flowers

With so many types of Zinnias, you would think that there would be blue ones. Blue flowers are truly gorgeous and are a great way to add an almost futuristic look to your garden. However, there are still questions about whether blue zinnias actually exist. 

Zinnias are beautiful flowers. With long green stems, large leaves, and a wonderful brightly colored flower head, they are eye-catching and perfect all summer long. 

We are here to answer the question: Are there blue zinnias? From bright reds to soft pinks, Zinnias are no stranger to color but why is the color blue so rare? 

Let’s find out! 

What Are Zinnias?

Since zinnias are annuals, they will only produce blooms and seeds for one season before dying. The original plant will not reappear the following year.

They are excellent for use as a cutting flower or as food for butterflies since they have vivid, solitary, daisy-like flower heads on a single, tall stem.

The majority of species have stems that are erect, while some have a slack habit of spreading stems that mound over the ground’s surface. Usually, they are between 10 and 100 centimeters tall. (4″ to 40″).

The leaves are opposite, typically sessile (without a stem), linear to oval in shape, and pale to medium green in color. The composite flowers of zinnia have disk florets that mature from the outside inward and maybe a different hue than the ray florets.

The flowers might have a single row of petals or a dome-shaped appearance. White, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, purple, or lilac zinnias are among the available colors.

Are There Blue Zinnias?

After some intense research, we can determine that blue zinnias do not exist. You may find many options online claiming to have blue zinnia seeds but they are mainly purple with a slight blue hue. 

Zinnias can range from white to soft lilac depending on the stage in the life cycle. However, a blue zinnia has not been documented with many cases of false marketing being known within the seeds market. 

So, if you see someone selling blue zinnias you now know that it is not true and they are most likely to bloom into a red or pink flower. 

Types of Zinnias Flowers 

Zinnia flowers are annuals, which we already know, however, they are be broken down into 3 different types:

• Single: Single flowered zinnias have a simple, single row of petals with a visible center. 
• Semi-Double: These are in the middle of single and double-flowered zinnias. They have multiple rows of petals with a visible center. 
• Double: Double-flowered zinnias have multiple rows of petals although they have no visible center. 

In addition to these shapes, zinnia flowers also appear in “beehive,” “button,” and “cactus” varieties.

Additionally, the plants themselves come in various heights: taller varieties work best as a garden bed’s backdrop, while shorter varieties are useful as a border. There is a zinnia for every garden, in fact!

14 Striking Zinnia Flowers 

Zinnias are excellent flowers to add a bright burst of color to your garden throughout the summer months. They are extremely tough flowers that can survive in a range of environments making them the perfect plant for your garden. 

Below is a range of zinnias that will add a wonderful brightness to your garden that creates an interesting look all summer long: 

1. Cactus Flowered Mix 

The “cactus flowered” kind of zinnia is distinguished by its narrow, quill-like, and slightly curled petals.

This Z. elegans cultivar, which has flowers in a spectrum of scarlet, pink, yellow, orange, and white hues, grows to a height of 30 inches and a spread of 12 to 18 inches. For roughly 10 weeks, the blooms should continue to put on a show.

The cactus flowered mix is a great zinnia for beginners as they are easy to grow from the seed and require very little maintenance. These flowers often bloom from mid-July to October when planted in a sheltered but sunny area. 

They were first introduced to the western market in the 1920s and have been popular flowers for gardens and homes since. 

2. Peppermint Stick 

Fans of stripes and specks will adore “Peppermint Stick,” a vibrant blend of flowers that also includes combinations of pink, scarlet, crimson, orange, and yellow in a variety of colors.

One of the most striking zinnia cultivars is “Peppermint Stick.” It was developed from the Mexican native Zinnia elegans, which reaches heights of two to three feet.

They bloom from summer right through to late fall and make for an interesting addition to any garden no matter the stage of their life cycle. They require plenty of direct sunlight to thrive and grow into the gorgeous flowers they are. 

No two Peppermint Stick Zinnias are the same and make for an excellent addition to many flower beds and arrangements. While they won’t taste much like a delicious treat, they are sure to add some color to your garden!

3. Queeny Lime Orange

A gorgeous double-flowered zinnia cultivar with the name “Queeny Lime Orange” is descended from the Mexican native Zinnia elegans.

The pom-pom-like dark orange blooms progressively lighten to a yellow or lime green hue that is more like that of the orange-pink core florets.

You will admire the gigantic, brilliantly colorful blossoms in tones that can only be described as “rainbow sherbet-esque,” with their distinctive tricolor flowers that expand to their largest and most vibrant size under full sun circumstances.

The coral, peach, and lime flowers grow to be approximately three inches wide, and the tall plants can reach heights of 30 to 40 inches, making them perfect for cutting.

Queeny Lime Orange blooms from early summer until late fall and requires little attention. Ensure it has access to direct sunlight in order to grow to its incredible height and produce some spectacular colors. 

4. Zinderella Lilac

You’ll adore “Zinderella Lilac,” a totally double and semi-double crested variety of Zinnia scabiosa if you prefer fluffy, pom pom-style flowers.

Plants that produce flowers that are two to two and a half inches wide and grow to a height of 25 to 30 inches with a spread of 18 to 20 inches are winners of the Fleuroselect Novelty award.

A ring of petals encircles the flower’s center, which is surrounded by soft tufts. One of the most well-liked collections of zinnia cultivars is the “Cinderella” series. These zinnias come in a variety of pastel hues, including lilac and peach.

Zinderellas Lilacs are a newer species of zinnias but they are becoming popular rather quickly. They often bloom in early June and will last for around 12 weeks well into September.

These wonderful flowers are great for adding some interest to your garden design with their bright colors and striking flower heads. 

5. Zowie Yellow Flame 

The zinnia variety known as “Zowie Yellow Flame” is without a doubt one of the most colorful varieties. This cultivar’s semi-double flowers have yellow tips that progressively turn orange as they get closer to the center.

With a crown of golden flowers, the central floret is a deep shade of crimson (a similar flower to this is the King’s Crown flower – read about it here). In a vase, zinnia “Zowie Yellow Flame” can endure for up to two weeks.

The red base of the petals and the orange tips of semi-double blooms create a stunning bull’s-eye impression.

This Z. elegans variety is a magnificent choice for the garden, and if that weren’t enough, the blossoms also change color with time.

The Zowie Yellow Flame is a wonderful flower to have in your flower beds with its truly outstanding coloring and tall height, it adds dimension and color to any area. 

6. Profusion Double Hot Cherry 

The Profusion Double Hot Cherry is a real miracle in the world of zinnias. It is a wonderful cross between Zinnia angustifolia and Zinnia elegans, bringing together the best of both worlds.

This flower is disease-resistant, humidity tolerant, easy to care for, and drought and heat-resistant. 

With vibrant cherry pink petals and a bright yellow center, it is simply impossible to walk by Profusion Double Hot Cherry without taking notice of its beauty. 

When cultivating the Profusion Double Hot Cherry needs an evenly moist soil with lots of room. Don’t overcrowd them or you may not get the benefits of them being disease resistant. They need lots of air and sun to bloom and thrive. 

Profusion Double Hot Cherry will have your garden brimming with life as they attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds. 

7. Envy

Green flowers are often overlooked as there is already so much green going on with stems, grass, and foliage but the Envy Zinnia can be a great flower for your garden. 

One of the most distinctive types of zinnias is Zinnia “Envy,” an heirloom variety developed from Zinnia elegans.

Semi-double lime green or chartreuse flowers are produced by the zinnia “Envy.” (yellow-green). Compared to most other zinnias, this one’s petals are lobed in a somewhat distinct shape. Zinnia “Envy” can reach a height of 3 feet and a width of about 1 foot.

Envy is a great flower if you have more of a wild garden and are looking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to have a thriving garden. They go best when placed in the front or middle of the border with lots of direct sunlight. 

To ensure Envy thrives in your garden plant them in a sunny area with moist but well-drained soil. You can also cut them for a fresher look. 

8. Crystal White 

The lovely low-growing dwarf zinnia cultivar “Crystal White” reaches a height of 8 to 12 inches. This outstanding cultivar was selected as an All-American Selection in 1997 and is a member of the renowned “Crystal” Series.

It is a gorgeous flower with pure white petals and a striking yellow or orange center. This is a great flower for adding some volume and freshness to the bottom of your flower beds. 

This is great for those looking to begin their journey into the world of gardening as it can also be grown and is brilliantly disease and pest resistant. It requires room and is a visual breath of fresh air.

They also look excellent in a hanging basket if you are looking to bring your garden closer to the home. 

9. Color Crackle

If you are looking for a plant to bring something unique to your garden, Color Crackle is an excellent choice. This flower is a derivative of Zinnia haageana or Mexican Zinnia and it is powerful in its appearance. 

Double burgundy bicolor blossoms produce a floral whirlwind. In the sunny border, surrounded by a variety of perennials, sensational bicolor double-flowers on vertical 16–24″ spikes create a thrill.

Much like other zinnias on this list, Color Crackle requires direct sunlight with moist but well-drained soil. They go best in the beginning or middle of the flower bed for a warming touch of color. 

The long stem of this flower brings a sense of height and dimension without being too intense for the design of your garden. 

10. Sombrero 

When you want a flower to bring a smile to your face just by looking at it, the Sombrero species is perfect. Bright red petals with yellow tips make up the petals of the bicolored solitary flowers. A ring of yellow florets sits atop the red center cones. 

These vibrant, open flowers are great for luring bees and other pollinators. Making them excellent for bringing more life and vibrancy to your garden. 

This compact variety of zinnia is known for rarely growing taller than 14 inches making them great for adding volume to the bottom of your flower bed or for potting. They bloom from July until October when planted in direct sunlight. 

When they bloom they can fade from a deep red with a golden center to pale pink with a yellow center. Truly beautiful. 

11. Zahara Starlight Rose 

Any garden or container is made truly elegant by zinnia “Zahara Starlight Rose.” The petals of the lovely white solitary blooms, which are surrounded by golden yellow florets, have rosy-red cores. 

As the Zahara Starlight Rose begins to mature small golden stars will grow in the center, giving it its incredible name. This flower goes perfectly along the front of the border and is perfect for bouquets. 

It grows best when planted with evenly moist, well drained soil. Their bright petals are perfect for attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees along with birds and hummingbirds. 

This is one of the easiest zinnias to grow from seed as you begin to seed indoors for 4 to 6 weeks before the last first date. This will give you spring blooms which are earlier than most zinnias. 

Zarah Starlight Rose is a great flower if you live in a dry environment as they are drought resistant and will bloom in harsh conditions. They also don’t need regular watering! 

12. Dahlia Flowered Mix 

This zinnia might be ideal for you if you enjoy dahlias but are hesitant to put in the effort necessary to maintain their health through the winter each year.

This 1919-developed heirloom type of Z. elegans produces blooms stuffed with petals that gently curve downward around the periphery, on long 40-inch stems. Additionally, the flowers themselves are enormous, measuring between four and five inches in diameter.

Dahlia Flowered Mix is often sought after for their incredibly bright colored blooms. This semi-double flower zinnia is truly magnificent in appearance and with a little care will come back year after year. 

With striking shades of red, pink, yellow and orange, there is nothing better to grace your garden during the warmer months. 

These zinnias are great for attracting wildlife such as bees and butterflies. Your garden will be alive when Dahlia Flowered Mix begins to bloom. Plant them in a sunny area and water them regularly throughout the summer. 

13. Swizzle Ivory and Cherry 

The starburst effect of “Ivory and Cherry,” an impressive dwarf Z. elegans variety from the Swizzle series with big, four-inch, semi-double blooms, may appeal to lovers of cherry vanilla ice cream and Fourth of July pyrotechnics.

This variant generally grows to around 10 to 12 inches tall and spreads around 6 to 8 inches. This is the perfect flower for having on your deck or patio in a container or pot.

It was developed at Kansas State University to flourish in a prairie environment while putting on a stunning display of blooms throughout the season, making it ideal for places that frequently experience summertime drought and high temperatures.

Additionally, it comes in a red and yellow combination.

This type of zinnia is extremely vulnerable to powdery mildew. This means it is more suited to drier climates with moist soil. Those living in a wetter climate may want to invest in dry soil or check out another type of zinnia. 

14. Big Red 

Big Red zinnias are a special breed as they are in fact safe for consumption. They have a delicious spice that is often compared to that of chewing gum. 

This Zinnia elegans cultivar is renowned for its large, six-inch scarlet blooms, as promised. Under optimal circumstances, they bloom just 35 days after germination. And to add to the intrigue, the flowers eventually turn a rich orange color.

This flower is full of life with various rows of petals and a delicate yellow center. 

Planting For Zinnias 

To have a lot of flowers all season long, choose a place that receives full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day). Additionally, later in the season, foliar diseases like powdery mildew can be avoided by planting in an area with sufficient air circulation.

Zinnias are hardy flowers that are known for their ability to adapt to their surroundings. However, they grow best when planted with evenly moist, well drained soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. 

If you happen to have humus soil, you may find that your zinnias grow quicker and are stronger. 

Tips For Planting 

While zinnias are rather simple flowers to plant and cultivate, there are still a few tips to help make the process easier to help them flourish in your care. 

• Because they dislike being transplanted, it is advised that you start your zinnia plants from seed directly in the garden bed. If the correct circumstances are present, they will develop quite quickly from seed.
• Zinnias can be planted indoors and grow plentifully, however, this must be done when they are extremely young and can even help them bloom earlier. 
• To prolong the flowering time, sow a new crop of seeds every week or so for a few weeks.
• It is important to note that you should never plant your zinnia seeds until the last frost is completely gone. Zinnias are tough flowers but they are extremely sensitive to frost. 
• Zinnias can tolerate a low daily temperature of 60°F (16°C), although a temperature range of 74–84°F (23–28°C) is ideal.

These tips are effective in helping you to plan your zinnias correctly. These plants are great for beginners or for anyone wanting to add some color and interest to their gardens, greenhouses, or arrangements. 

How To Plant Zinnias Correctly 

Now, we can get into planting zinnias properly. 

1. Depending on the kind, place plants 4 to 24 inches apart. (Many common varieties are planted 6 inches apart within the row and 2 feet in between rows.) It is recommended to check the seed packet to ensure they are spaced correctly. 
2. Sow the zinnia seed around ¼ inch deep into evenly moist but well-drained soil. 
3. It generally takes around 4-7 days for most zinnias varieties to begin growing. However, it can take up to several weeks and often several months for blooms to begin showing. 
4. Once the seedlings grow to around 3 inches tall, thin them to 6 to 18 inches apart for perfect air circulation. This is important for preventing powdery mildew from growing. 

Caring For Zinnias 

Once you have started growing your zinnias, it is time to start thinking about how to care for them and how to help them flourish. We have some tips to help your zinnias grow to the best of their ability. 

• You want to maintain the soil moisture and fertilize it lightly which will help your zinnias grow and blossom year after year. 
• Since zinnias are annuals, they will perish with the first autumn hard frost. Let the final blooms of the season completely mature before dispersing their seeds if you want them to reseed.
• Cutting the flower is a great way to help encourage more flowers to grow. This is done by cutting off the old flowers to allow new growth to occur. This is called deadheading and it is beneficial to the zinnia species. 
• Zinnias require little watering. They should be watered deeply a few times a week to ensure there is enough water to keep the soil moist. It is important not to over-water the plant as they can succumb to rot diseases. 

Fun Facts About Zinnias 

If this is your first time learning about zinnias then there are a few fun facts about them that you need to know. 

Zinnias are the birth month flower for the month of June as this is when they typically begin to bloom. They are often placed into a bouquet with a range of roses and other summer flowers to provide volume and an interesting range of colors and variety. 

The hue of the bloom can have a variety of meanings for zinnias. A red zinnia, for instance, represents the question, “What have I done to you?” A yellow zinnia, on the other hand, signifies “all happiness is forbidden from this point forward since you no longer love me.”

Giving a zinnia can more bluntly convey your wish for casual relationships without the need for anything serious.

Another interesting fact is that the plant is harmed by powdery mildew, which depletes it of nutrients. As a result, zinnia’s leaves deteriorate and it does not grow correctly. On the foliage, Alternaria blotch produces reddish, brown, and purple spots.

The secret to maintaining a healthy zinnia is to make an atmosphere that pests find unpleasant. Zinnias should always be open to the sun. In order to keep insects away, give them regular irrigation, but make sure the soil is well-drained.

When zinnias were first discovered by the Spanish in Mexico they were declared “mal de ojos” which roughly translates to “sickness of the eye”. They were also considered the “poorhouse flower” throughout Europe due to their ease of growth. 

And lastly, zinnia was the state flower of Indiana, USA from 1931 to 1957. 

Final Thoughts 

Zinnias are wonderful flowers that any gardener should look to have in their garden. With vibrant petals of red, orange, pink, yellow, purple, and even green, they can work their way into any color scheme. 

However, this shows that there are not any blue zinnias. While purple zinnias may appear to have a blue hue depending on where they are in the bloom cycle and how light is reflecting off their petals. 

Now, you can discover a whole array of wonderful zinnias to grace your garden and make it truly magical. 

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