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Zinnias are Flowers with Wildlife Attraction Power
Monarch on Pink Zinnia
Derek Ramsey, GFDL
Zinnia, a genus of 20 species, can easily be started from seed or bought from a local garden center. They flower easily and work well in containers. The most common species of zinnia attract bees and butterflies via the flower and wild birds via the seed heads.
To quote from Wikipedia, zinnia species are
annual and perennial plants of family Asteraceae, originally from scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the American Southwest to South America, but primarily Mexico, and notable for...flowers that come in a variety of bright colors.
Wild Birds and Zinnias
Hummingbirds enjoy zinnias' nectar, and other birds enjoy zinnia seeds. For the seeds, do not trim aging flowers. Let the flowers develop seed heads, and you may see goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees, and other birds feeding on the seeds.
Butterflies, Bees, and Zinnias
Bumblebee on Zinnia Elegans
Simon Koopman, GFDL
Most zinnias have flat surfaces with tiny petals, making a good walking area for butterflies feeding on the nectar. Some butterflies zinnias may attract: Black, Tiger, or Palamedes Swallowtail, Monarch, Painted Lady, Zebra Longwing, and Cloudless Giant Sulphur.
Anything that attracts butterflies generally attracts other pollinators, including bees.
Most Common Zinnia Species
The most common species is perhaps Zinnia elegans (also known as Zinnia violacea). Other species include Zinnia grandiflora (Rocky Mountain) and Zinnia bicolor.
Zinnia Details
Zinnia avenyn (public domain)
Zinnias grow between six and forty inches high, and the flowers come in a wide variety of forms: single, double, dahlia, ruffles, pompom, and more. Flower colors include all colors except blue.
They bloom from early summer to autumn and are treated as annuals in most climates.
Cultivation
Zinnia elegans (public domain)
Zinnias need at least six hours of sun a day and need adequate water (they are not xeric). Although they prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, zinnias can survive in less perfect soils.
The plants are susceptible to cold; they will not grow much until temperatures are above fifty degrees.
To make bushier plants, pinch the tops out of four- to six-inch tall young plants. For better flower production, remove faded blossoms.
Zinnia Seeds
More Information
- Zinnia Garden Guide
- Zinnia information from PlantFiles
- Zinnias from Floridata
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