Zinnia flower meaning derives from its history, symbolism, and benefits of one of the most colorful and cheerful flowers in the world.
In this blog, you will learn more about zinnia flower meaning and how you can use these flowers to express your true feelings, enhance your home and garden, and inspire yourself to live a more joyful life.
Read on to discover the secret language of zinnias!
What does the Zinnia flower symbolises?
The Zinnia flower symbolises absent friends, friendship, i miss you, i mourn your absence, loyalty, thoughts of absent friends and thoughts of friends.1
Zinnia flower colours meaning
The variety of the different zinnia flower colour meaning give more depth to its meaning. Lets explore some of them:
Magenta zinnia flower
The magenta zinnia flower colour symbolises affection and lasting affection.
Pink zinnia flower
The pink zinnia flower colour means lasting affection.
Scarlet zinnia flower
The scarlet zinnia flower colour is a symbol of constancy.
White zinnia flower
The white zinnia flower colour symbolises goodness.
Yellow zinnia flower
The yellow zinnia flower colour means daily remembrance, memories and haunting memories.
Mixed coloured zinnia flower
The mixed coloured zinnia flower is a symbol of remembering an absent friend and memories beyond your reach.
Spiritual meaning of the Zinnia flower
The spiritual meaning of the zinnia flower comes from the structure of the flower and its bloom.
Its blooms are not only vibrant but they are also long lasting. The blooms are a reminder to cherish and nurture your relationships. This will create a deep connections and loyalty.
Moreover, the bright colours and hues of the zinnia evoke a sense of creativity, individuality, and the expression of a unique spirit.
Furthermore, the structure of the flower evokes a feeling of steadfastness and resilience. It is an encouragement for individuals to persevere through challenges and to maintain a positive outlook.
Benefits of the Zinnia flower
The Zinnia flower has several benefits attached to it. One of the benefits of zinnia is its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterfly and hummingbirds.
This is due to their blooms that come in bright colours and filled of nectar which acts like a magnet and also helps with the pollination of the other plants in the garden.
Moreover, zinnias are deer-resistant plants, this makes them a perfect choice of flowers for gardens where deer might be a concern.
Zinnias are a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets. Those flowers guarantee to add a burst of colour and charm to any floral display.
Additionally, the zinnia flower have some medicinal properties. They are used in herbal teas and believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Zinnias are also valued for their cut flower potential. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make them a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets. Whether used as a focal point or a filler flower, zinnias add a burst of colour and charm to any floral display.
Furthermore, zinnia flowers have medicinal properties. In traditional herbal medicine, zinnia leaves and flowers have been used to make herbal teas believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
History of the Zinnia flower
Zinnia flowers are native to Mexico and the south west of the United States. They were cultivated by the Aztecs for their ornamental and medicinal value.
The Aztecs who lived in Mexico during the Spanish occupation were growing zinnias in their gardens.
They were discovered in the 16th century during Spanish expeditions. Zinnias are named after the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. The latter played a significant role in the classification and study of plants.
The flowers made their way into Europe around the late 18th century. The European explorers and botanists who travelled to the New World were captivated by the flowers and brought it back to Europe.
The zinnias have undergone extensive breeding and hybridisation over the years. This has led to a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes.
In the United States, the Dutch immigrants would tend to the zinnia plant. The breeding process begun in the 19th century which resulted in 100 cultivars.
Zinnia during Victorian Era
Zinnias were found in Mexico and brought to Europe in the 1500s. They became popular during the Victorian era. Victorians used them to communicate different emotions.
Zinnia flower meaning varied based on its colour. Red and magenta zinnias meant desire and love. Yellow and orange zinnias meant friendship and joy.
In the victorian language of flowers, zinnias also symbolised celebration and reunion. Victorians planted them in gardens or gave them as gifts to show they cared.
What are Zinnia flowers used for?
Zinnia flowers have various uses. Lets explore some of them:
- Zinnias are popular as ornamental flowers. They often feature in garden beds, borders, and containers. Moreover, their vibrant colours creates a visual interest in flower arrangements and landscapes.
- They are used as cut flowers because of their long lasting blooms. They can add interest to bouquets, flower arrangements (dried and fresh), and floral centrepiece.
- Those flowers are great pollinators. The single and semi-double varieties attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
- There are certain varieties of Zinnias that are edible and decorative. The petals of the zinnia add colour to salads, desserts and other culinary creations.
- The zinnias seeds are abundant, they are easy to collect and store for future propagation.
- In traditional healing, Brazilian curanderos would place the leaf of a Zinnia on a patient’s head to cure madness. Furthermore, they were used in Brazilian healing ceremonies as a ritual bath.
- The Navajo Indians used the zinnia flower as an infusion or fumigant for sexual diseases.
Zinnia Flower Meaning by Occasion
Zinnias are colourful flowers with different meanings. You can use them to say different things to different people.
Zinnia for Friendship: Zinnias mean friendship, loyalty, and good wishes. Give yellow zinnias for joy, white zinnias for purity, or mixed colours for diversity. Those zinnias are good for saying goodbye, as they mean hope and memory.
Zinnia for Romance: Zinnias can show love, passion, and devotion. Give red or magenta zinnias for deep feelings, pink zinnias for gentleness, or purple zinnias for royalty. Those zinnias are great for celebrating love, such as anniversaries, birthdays, or Valentine’s Day.
Zinnia for Remembrance: Zinnias can honour the dead or the missing. They mean memory, endurance, and strength. Give scarlet zinnias for courage, blue zinnias for peace, or green zinnias for renewal. Those zinnias are suitable for funerals, memorials, or sympathy cards.
Zinnia for Celebration: Zinnias can celebrate success, joy, and gratitude. Give bright colours like red, yellow, or orange for happiness and excitement, or pastel colours like pink, lavender, or peach for elegance and grace. Those zinnias are ideal for graduation, promotion, retirement, or appreciation gifts.
Different types of zinnia
Zinnia flowers are diverse and classified in several main types. The most common types of zinnia flowers are:
- Single flowered zinnias: those types of zinnias have a single layer of petals. They come in diverse colours and renowned for their simplicity and beauty.
- Double flowered zinnias: these varieties feature a densely packed layers of petals. It creates a fuller and more intricate appearance. They resemble dahlia-like blooms.
- Cactus zinnias: have long and petals which curves backwards. They add texture to floral arrangements in addition to their vibrant colours.
- Spider zinnias: have long, thin petals that resemble spiders. They can add playfulness and intrigue to gardens.
- Dwarf zinnias: those zinnias are smaller in size. Those flowers are ideal for limited space.
Zinnia flower tattoo meaning
Zinnia flower tattoos are popular for their colour and meaning. Zinnias come in many colours and types. Each one has a different meaning in the language of flowers. Some common meanings are:
- Red zinnia: passion, love, courage
- Pink zinnia: romance, affection, friendship
- Yellow zinnia: happiness, joy, optimism
- White zinnia: purity, innocence, peace
- Purple zinnia: spirituality, mystery, creativity
Zinnia flower tattoos also mean endurance, resilience, and remembrance. Zinnias are strong plants that can grow in tough conditions and last long. Zinnias also remember loved ones who have passed away. They are often planted in cemeteries and memorial gardens.
Is the zinnia flower edible?
Zinnia flowers are edible. They make a great addition to salads. However, zinnia flowers are bitter.
Although culinary use of zinnias is not much in vogue, you can use them in soups, pasta sauces, and tomato dishes because of their
aroma.
When do the zinnia flower bloom?
The zinnia flower blooms from late spring to early fall. It will also depend on the variety and the climate.
For example, in temperate regions the zinnia flower bloom in late spring when the weather in warm and they will continue to produce bloom throughout the summer.
Conclusion
Zinnias are flowers with many colors and meanings. You can use them for different people and reasons.
Pick different zinnias to say what you feel. Use red for love, yellow for joy, white for peace, and more.
Zinnias are easy to grow and care for. They make your garden or home look bright and beautiful.
Zinnias are also good for your health and culture. You can eat them or use them as medicine. They have a long history in different places.
We hope you liked this blog post about zinnias and their meanings. Do you have any stories or comments about zinnias? Please tell us below. If you enjoyed this blog post, please share it with others who love zinnias. Thank you for reading!
References
- Darcey, C. (2017). Flowerpaedia: 1000 Flowers and Their Meanings. Rockpool Publishing. ↩︎
Hill, L., & Hill, N. (2003). The Flower Gardener’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Colorful Blooms All Season Long. Storey Publishing.
Lloyd, C. (1973). The Well-Tempered Garden. HarperCollins.
Mezitt, R. W. (2013). Zinnias: A Gardener’s Guide and Plant Profile. Down East Books.
Heilmeyer, M. (2000). The Language of Flowers: Symbols and Myths. Prestel.
Appell, S. D. (2009). Zinnias for Every Garden. Timber Press.
Deena Bsingh, a UK-born, Mauritius-raised content writer, is a dedicated explorer of the ancient world’s hidden treasures. Armed with classical studies knowledge and a decade of spiritual immersion, Deena delves deep into the wellspring of ancient wisdom. Her illuminating writings on flower meanings and culinary history are imbued with the profound insights she has gathered on her journey. Through her Medium articles, she guides readers on transformative journeys that bridge the gap between ancient cultures and contemporary consciousness, offering a rich tapestry of understanding that endures through time.
