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 colours of the Zinnia flower give even further depth to its meaning. Lets explore some of them:
- Magenta zinnia flower colour symbolises affection and lasting affection.
- Pink zinnia flower colour means lasting affection.
- Scarlet zinnia flower is a symbol of constancy.
- White zinnia flower symbolises goodness.
- Yellow zinnia flower means daily remembrance, memories and haunting memories.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
If you enjoy this blog on the zinnia flower meaning then don’t miss out on our other blogs on flowers that bloom in spring and flowers that bloom in summer.
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.
