For years, dahlias have been the undisputed stars of late summer borders. But as UK summers become hotter, drier and more unpredictable, a new contender is quietly taking over gardens: zinnias.
Cheerful, long-flowered and remarkably inconspicuous, these brilliant blooms are winning over flies with their ability to keep performing when other favorites begin to struggle.
And unlike some traditional bedding plants, they’re proving that high impact doesn’t mean high maintenance, making it the perfect time to learn. How to grow zinnias.
Why zinnias are the hot new flower on the block
(Image credit: Getty Images/Marcia Straub)
One of the biggest shifts in the popularity of zinnias is their ability to cope with hot and dry conditions, which are increasingly relevant to UK gardens.
‘Tough, extremely drought-tolerant and perfect for hot, dry gardens, zinnias are also a magnet for pollinators and bring plenty of bees and butterflies to the garden,’ says Maurice Hankinson, director of Hops Grove Nursery.
Morris is the founder and managing director of Hankinson Hops Grove Nursery Ltd., is the UK’s only specialist manufacturer-retailer of hedging plants. Shortly after graduating with a degree in commercial horticulture from Rittle College, Essex, he established a thriving business in 1992.
Once established, they quickly settle into a steady rhythm of flowering, producing vibrant, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow and lime green. do you Sow zinnia seeds In borders, containers or cutting gardens, they provide continuous color throughout the summer months.
Their long flowering season also makes them particularly valuable in mixed planting schemes, where color gaps can appear during warmer periods.
Buy Zinnia:
Crocus
Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Lime Red’ (Queen Series)
The odd-looking outer petals on this zinnia fade beautifully from pale red to lime green.
Crocus
Zinnia ‘Dahlia-Flower Mixed’
Say hello to this bold heirloom zinnia, which was introduced in the early 1900s.
Thompson and Morgan
Zinnia ‘Forecast’ – Seed
This variety of zinnias and vibrant hues of single and double blooms refresh borders and vases alike.
Dahlias still have undeniable appeal, but they come with demands that don’t always suit modern gardens or busy gardeners. Indeed, Christopher O’Donoghue, as director garden revitalized, points out that insect pressure may be sufficient to maintain equilibrium.
‘Every UK gardener knows the pain of waking up to find a precious, expensive dahlia shoot that has eaten into a thin nub overnight. Snails and slugs see dahlias as an all-you-can-eat buffet,’ he says.
A gardener with over a decade of experience under his belt, Christopher founded Gardens Revived in 2018 with his brother Andrew to build a thriving family business. Since then he has worked on residential gardens, listed buildings and gardens, the award-winning RHS Flower Show Gardens and large estates of over 70 acres – many of historic significance.
‘While zinnias need protection when they are young seedlings, they quickly grow stiff, gnarled, bushy stems that usually prefer to be left alone,’ explains Christopher.
Or natural resistance? Well, that makes them an attractive option for gardeners tired of nightly snail patrols and frequent damage. And another major advantage of zinnias is their straightforward growing needs. Where dahlias demand regular feeding, staking and careful watering, zinnias demand much less once established.
‘Dahlia is a notoriously thirsty diva,’ says Christopher. ‘To sustain those huge, attractive flower heads, they need rich, constantly moist soil and endless feeding.’
(Image credit: Alamy)
In contrast, zinnias are adapted to more difficult conditions, as they are native to Mexico and thrive in fairly warm, baking sunlight,’ adds Christopher.
It promises: ‘UK summers are increasingly prone to extreme heat waves and dry spells, so zinnias handle the heat beautifully without drying out or running up your water bills.’
Zinnia growing essentials
Toypopor
10pcs 10” X 16” Plant Support Stakes
RocketGro Organic Magic Mulch, 50L
A really good mulch is important to help your drought-happy plants retain moisture. This is a really good design with good reviews.
FAQs
Are zinnias good for wildlife?
Many people turn to zinnias because they are good for wildlife, especially compared to dahlias.
‘Many popular garden dahlias have been bred to feature tightly packed layers of petals which prevent insects from reaching the centre,’ explains Christopher O’Donoghue. Revive the garden.
‘Zinnias, even the dramatic double-flowered types, open to reveal a distinct ring of small, star-shaped yellow flowers in the center, making them a haven for bees and butterflies.’
Do I need to repot zinnias every year?
If you want to enjoy zinnias every year, you need to remember to plant them!
‘Zinia are true annuals. You scatter the seeds in late spring once the danger of frost has passed,’ explains Christopher O’Donoghue, director. Revive the garden.
‘They grow at lightning speed, bloom heavily until autumn, and then you pull them. No need for winter storage.
Honestly, it’s easy to see why zinnias Stealing the show in the gardens. Finally, hardness, color and that combination Wildlife Value in a plant is rare, and that helps zinnias become a staple for discerning gardeners.
So, if you’re looking to simplify summer planting without sacrificing impact, look no further! Zinnias offer clear benefits: reliable color, minimal fuss and a garden that continues to perform even when temperatures rise.
And, in a season where resilience is as important as beauty, zinnias are proving hard to beat. Ready, set, plant…
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