If you want to garden in the summer, you need plants that are low-maintenance (because it’s hot), can handle heat and drought (also), and have bright colors—the brighter, the better.
Zinnias fit the bill on all three counts. And more. In fact, theyre one of the best flowers that smart gardeners can put to work in their gardens.
In the English Oak Meadow, Benarys Giant (1,000 of them!) stands out like a sore thumb and is one of the best flowers to cut.
Double Zahara Fire (Zinnia marylandica), which is in the Enabling Garden, is part of a series that doesn’t get powdery mildew.
Zahara™ Coral Rose zinnia (Zinnia Marylandica) is an outstanding performer with low water needs for your summer garden.
If theres an easier flower to grow, wed like to know about it. Zinnias are annuals, meaning that they go from seed to flower to seed quickly. Zinnia seeds are pointy and look like little arrowheads. To get them to grow, just put them in well-drained soil in full sun and lots of summer heat. In just a few days, you’ll see tiny seedlings, and in just a few weeks, the flowers will be fully grown. No perennial can claim that speed!.
One gardening friend doesn’t even bother to prepare the soil; she just scatters seeds where she wants to grow zinnias, waters those areas for a few days, and lets the plants grow naturally.
Pop Art. Green Envy. Persian Carpet. Candy Cane. With variety names like that, you know youre in for color. There are a ridiculous number of bright and pastel zinnias (except for blues), as well as bi-color, tri-color, and crazy-quilt mixes that are made for cutting, attracting pollinators, and other uses.
Zinnias have style, in addition to long, strong stems, so they are naturally destined for the vase.
When people talk about zinnia flowers, they use beautiful words like “stars and daisies,” “button and domes,” and “quill-leaf cactus.” With petals lined up in a row around an open center, a flower is said to be “single.” Other types of flowers are semi-doubles and doubles. All work marvelously in floral arrangements.
Zinnias that are tall are the best for cutting, of course. Benarys Giant is famous for its three-foot-tall, strong stems and big flowers. Cut zinnia stems at an angle just above a bud joint. Zinnias usually last a long time in a vase. Before putting them in water, strip the stems of all but the most visible leaves.
Zinnias are low maintenance. Since theyre fast-growing, they shade out weeds. You only need to use a well-balanced mix of fertilizer once in a while, and you don’t need to mulch them.
Deadheading helps to produce more flowers. Lack of time to remove dead hairs? The Zaharas in the sidebar clean themselves, which is very helpful for big beds.
Like Zaharas, the Profusion Series (hybrids between Z. elegans and Z. angustifolia) are resistant to the scourge of zinnias: powdery mildew.
If you grow zinnias in the grasslands of the southwestern states, Mexico, or South America, they are used to being dry. But wet summers (weve had one so far) can take their toll. And that can lead to powdery mildew and leaf spot. Three suggestions for dealing with wet conditions:
Its easy to save zinnia seeds. To get next year’s seeds, just let the flowers dry out on the stem and then pick up the seedheads and lightly crush them in your hand. Store in a cool, dry place as you do other seeds. (And set some aside in a labeled envelope for our Seed Swap next February!).
One last reason to plant zinnias year after year: theyre butterfly magnets. The bigger-flowered varieties act like landing pads for nectar-seeking butterflies. (Same goes for hummingbirds. ) Try tall zinnias with red or hot pink flowers to get the biggest draw.
Karen Zaworski is a garden writer and photographer who lives and gardens in Oak Park, Illinois.
Zinnias are commonly considered full sun lovers, but can they grow and bloom successfully in shady conditions too? The answer is yes, zinnias can grow in shade if properly cared for. While they prefer abundant sunlight, they can adapt and flourish in locations with partial shade or dappled sunlight
How Much Sunlight Do Zinnias Need?
Full sun is ideal for zinnias to reach their maximum growth potential and produce abundant flowers. Full sun means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, zinnias are reasonably tolerant of partial shade. They can grow well with 4-6 hours of sun per day.
Dappled sunlight filtered through trees is favorable for zinnias Even 2-4 hours of sun is enough for some varieties to bloom satisfactorily But growth may be weaker and flowering reduced compared to full sun conditions,
Factors Affecting Zinnias Growth in Shade
Intensity of Shade
The lesser the shade, the better it is for zinnias. They grow best in lighter shade as opposed to dense, dark shade. Bright shade allows sufficient light for photosynthesis. Deep shade starves plants of sunlight needed to thrive.
Duration of Shade
The number of sunlight hours is more critical than shade intensity. Zinnias can’t bloom without enough sun hours for adequate energy production. They need some direct morning sun for growth and midday/afternoon shade for protection.
Air Circulation
Good airflow is vital, especially in shade where humidity is higher. Stagnant air and damp leaves make zinnias prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew in shade.
Soil Quality
Rich, moist, well-draining soil provides nutrients and moisture to support growth in shade. Compacted or dry soil stresses plants and reduces vigor.
Varietal Traits
Some zinnia varieties exhibit better shade tolerance than others. Choose types suited to partial shade when sunlight is limited.
Will Specific Zinnia Varieties Grow in Shade?
Profusion Zinnias
This compact series blooms abundantly even in partial shade. The disease resistance of Profusion zinnias also helps them thrive in shade. The Profusion Red variety flowers beautifully with 4 hours of sun.
Zinnia Elegans
Common garden zinnias of the Zinnia Elegans species are quite shade tolerant. The Canary Bird, Magellan, and Persian Carpet types perform well in partial shade.
Zinnia Angustifolia
This species features narrow leaves adapted to cooler climates and partial shade. Star and Button zinnias of this species grow sufficiently with 4 hours of sun.
Zinnia Haageana
These Mexican zinnias handle partial shade better than most species. Varieties like Scarlet Flame and Persian Carpet bloom decently in dappled light.
State Fair Mix
This popular cut flower zinnia grows reasonably well in partial shade. Though flowering may be reduced, the State Fair mix thrives with 5 hours of sunlight.
Tips for Growing Zinnias in Shade
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Plant in spring after the last frost when soil warms up.
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Amend soil with compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention.
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Mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and keep roots cool.
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Water 1-2 inches per week if rainfall is inadequate.
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Prune old flowers to encourage continuous blooming all season.
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Stake/trellis tall varieties to prevent lodging and increase air flow.
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Scout for pests like spider mites that thrive in shade’s high humidity.
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Apply fungicide spray regularly to prevent disease issues.
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Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced flower fertilizer.
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Grow mildew resistant varieties like Zahara, Profusion and State Fair.
Where to Position Zinnias in Shade Gardens
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East facing locations get morning sun with afternoon shade.
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Beside north facing structures that don’t block too much sun.
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Under high canopy trees like birches that allow dappled light penetration.
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Next to bushes, shrubs, and taller plants that provide shade in the afternoon.
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Against fences or trellises that give shade and support for climbing zinnias.
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Beneath patio covers, gazebos, pergolas that filter bright sunlight.
Benefits of Growing Zinnias in Shade
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Protection from intense afternoon sun prevents leaf scorch.
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Cooler soil temperature in shade helps retain soil moisture.
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Shelter from strong winds prevents damage to delicate stems and flowers.
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Dappled light allows sufficient sun for growth while reducing water needs.
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Shaded areas help zinnias withstand hot climates and extend blooming season.
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Filtered light produces shorter but stronger stems less prone to lodging.
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Lower light levels in shade encourage bigger, longer-lasting blooms.
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Shade offers ideal conditions for heat sensitive varieties like the Benary’s Giants.
Disadvantages of Too Much Shade for Zinnias
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Inadequate sunlight limits energy production through photosynthesis.
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Excessive shade encourages taller, leggy growth as plants reach for light.
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Insufficient sun exposure can lead to smaller leaves and slower development.
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Prolonged shade and dampness makes plants more disease prone.
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Low light causes poor flower production, lack of blooms or no flowers at all.
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Overly shaded zinnias become weakly rooted and unable to support heavy flower heads.
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Extreme shade combined with dense foliage creates humidity that can ruin zinnias.
Final Tips for Maximizing Zinnias Growth in Shade
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Prune overhanging branches or trees to allow more light if shade is too dense.
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Grow shade-loving companion plants like impatiens and begonias around zinnias.
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Use light reflective mulch like aluminum or white stone mulch to maximize available light.
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Pick partially shaded spots that get morning sun but afternoon shade.
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Stake and trellis plants to lift them closer to the light source above.
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Space plants further apart to decrease competition for sunlight.
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Replace spent blooms promptly to encourage reblooming in low light.
With some patience and extra care, your zinnias can add their vibrant colors to brighten up even shady garden beds and borders. Pay attention to light levels, soil, watering and other cultural practices to achieve success when growing zinnias in shade.
Zinnias Sun or Shade – What is the Best?
FAQ
How many hours of sun do zinnias need?
Can zinnias grow in full shade?
Can I just scatter zinnia seeds?
Do zinnias do better in pots or in the ground?
Can Zinnias grow in shade?
Gardening in the shade can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a splash of color in the darker corners of your garden. Zinnias are a great option for gardeners looking to add color to a shady area, as they will grow and bloom even in partial shade or in areas with only a few hours of direct sunlight.
Do Zinnias need full sun?
Zinnia plants need at least six hours of sun every day. They will get prone to diseases otherwise. So if you try to grow a zinnia plant in full shade, it will soon get diseased and eventually get dried. Zinnia plants cannot survive in full shade. They need a certain amount of sun exposure in order to survive. Do zinnias require full sun?
Are Zinnias good for a shady garden?
Zinnias are a great option for gardeners looking to add color to a shady area, as they will grow and bloom even in partial shade or in areas with only a few hours of direct sunlight. With their bright petals, easy maintenance, and wide variety of colors, zinnias are a great choice for adding a bit of life to a shady garden.
How much shade do Zinnias need?
Light shade is the ideal amount of shade for zinnias, as it allows the plants to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If the shade is medium, the plants should receive at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.
What is a partially shaded Zinnia?
Partial shade refers to areas where zinnias receive filtered sunlight for a portion of the day, with limited direct sunlight exposure. A partially shaded location receives less than 6 hours but at least 4 hours of sunlight daily, usually in the mornings with less intense light and heat.
Can Zinnias grow in semi-shade?
Yes, zinnias can grow in semi-shade. In fact, semi-shade makes zinnias’ growth quite smooth and easy. Zinnias cannot thrive when they are exposed to long hours of sunlight. So semi-shade is a wonderful way to keep a zinnia plant alive and thriving. But you will still need to ensure that your plant is getting proper exposure to sunlight.