Flower Library
Zinnias
Zinnia elegans · Korbblütler (Asteraceae)
Zinnias are the easygoing summer stars among cut flowers: vividly colourful, full of character and surprisingly long lasting. It is exactly this robust nature that we love in our Pempelfort workshop, because cut fresh from the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction they last well beyond the usual seven days. Few flowers bring as much cheer to the vase from July right into October.
- Season
- July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Zinnia elegans
- Colors
- Bright pink, Warm orange, Deep red, Sunny yellow, Creamy white, Salmon and apricot, Lime green, Violet
Zinnias come in an almost overwhelming range of varieties. The large flowered dahlia types such as the Benary's Giant series form dense, plate sized blooms, while the dainty Profusion and pompon types carry delicate little flower balls. Especially sought after today are the Queen Lime varieties with their unusual greenish pink tones, which are a must in any modern summer arrangement.
In floristry zinnias are true all rounders. Their strong, straight stems and broad blooms make them ideal for loose meadow style summer bouquets, but also for structured arrangements. We like to use them as colourful accents between more delicate flowers, because their rich colour adds depth and volume without ever feeling overbearing.
One quality marker we pay close attention to when buying directly at the auction is the right cutting stage. Zinnias should only be cut once the flower is fully open, because as a cut flower they do not continue to ripen. A simple test: grip the stem just below the bloom, if it feels firm and stiff the flower is mature and durable. If it feels soft, it will bend in the vase later.
In terms of style, zinnias work beautifully with the lively, relaxed cottage garden look. Arranged tone on tone they appear elegant, in a wild colour mix they feel cheeky and joyful. Combined with grasses, umbellifers and a little greenery they create a natural summer bouquet that looks as if it was just picked from the garden.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and only use stems that feel firm just below the bloom, soft stems will not last.
- 02Remove all leaves below the water line, otherwise zinnias quickly make the water cloudy.
- 03Use clean, lukewarm water and change it completely every two to three days, rinsing the vase thoroughly.
- 04Flower food helps against bacteria and noticeably extends the vase life.
- 05Choose a cool spot out of direct sunlight and away from fruit bowls, as ripening fruit ages the blooms.
- 06Remove spent individual flowers so the bouquet stays fresh and attractive for longer.
Frequently asked
- How long do zinnias last in the vase?
- With good care zinnias last seven to fourteen days, often even longer. The key is that the stems were already firm at cutting, that the water is changed regularly and that no leaves sit in the water. Our zinnias arrive fresh from the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction, so they start with maximum longevity.
- Are zinnias toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- No, zinnias are considered non toxic and are listed by the ASPCA as safe for cats and dogs. They are also a worry free choice for households with children. As with all cut flowers, however, they are not meant for eating and should be kept out of the reach of small children and pets.
- When are zinnias in season?
- Zinnias are classic summer flowers and available in Germany from July into October, peaking in the warm months of August and September. During this time they show the most intense colours and the best quality.
- What do zinnias mean as a flower?
- Above all, zinnias stand for friendship and the memory of people we miss. That makes them a lovely gift to tell someone you are thinking of them without grand words. In Mexico they are also closely tied to the Day of the Dead and remembrance.