Did you know ... 5 Fun Facts About Zinnias -
Zinnias are brightly colored flowers belonging to the Asteraceae family, where other members include asters, daisies, and sunflowers.
Zinnias are a favorite for gardeners because they are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed! They are perfect for a cutting garden. These cheery flowers will bloom from early summer to early fall and look best planted in masses.
- Gottfrieds? Nope! - The zinnia was named after the German botanist, Johann Gottfried Zinn, who wrote the first description of the flower.
- Muy Bonita - Believe it or not, there was a time when zinnias were considered small and ugly! When the Spanish first saw the flower in Mexico, they named it “mal de ojos” or sickness of the eye.
- Let's Show Those Whippersnappers - Zinnias were once called “youth and old age” because old blooms stay fresh as new blooms open.
- Be My Friend - In the language of flowers, zinnias represent friendship, specifically thoughts of an absent friend.
- Rich With Color - When zinnias were first introduced to Europeans, they were known as “poorhouse flower” and “everybody’s flower” because zinnias were so common and easy to grow.
Zinnias daisy-like flowers are available in a wide range of bright colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, purple and lilac.
The taller varieties make great borders and edging, while smaller zinnias do well in window boxes, hanging pots, and other container arrangements.
|