Summer is the perfect season to turn your garden into a lively, color-filled escape, and zinnias are one of the easiest ways to make that happen. These blooms are known for their brilliant hues, long-lasting flowers, and ability to thrive in the hottest conditions. This collection has 24 standout zinnia varieties, each offering something unique, from compact habits to bold double blooms and rare tones.
1. Zinnia elegans 'Benary’s Giant Scarlet'
This tall-growing variety boasts bright red, fully double blooms up to 6 inches wide. It thrives in hot weather and makes an outstanding choice for cutting gardens. The blooms sit atop strong, tall stems that resist bending, even during summer storms. Known for its disease resistance, this variety keeps looking fresh with little effort. Expect butterflies to visit often, drawn in by its bold color and ample nectar. It is also ideal for back borders or mixed beds.
2. Zinnia marylandica 'Double Zahara Raspberry Ripple'
Compact and tidy, this plant packs a visual punch with pink petals streaked in raspberry red. Its fully double blooms are showy and abundant from early summer to frost. Unlike many zinnias, this hybrid handles humidity and powdery mildew with ease. It is an excellent option for low-maintenance containers or sunny front borders. Even in high heat, its colors remain vibrant and crisp. The rounded shape makes it easy to pair with other flowers.
3. Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Lime Red'
An award-winning variety with vintage flair, this bloom offers a surprising mix of lime green petals tinged with soft red. Each flower has a slightly different pattern, giving your garden a layered, antique look. Plants grow to a medium height and bloom steadily through summer. Their unique palette complements both modern and rustic garden designs. Use them in floral arrangements for a sophisticated twist. They are a true standout among traditional zinnias.
4. Zinnia 'Profusion Orange'
A cross between Zinnia elegans and Zinnia angustifolia, this hybrid produces nonstop orange blooms on compact, bushy plants. It is perfect for edging walkways or spilling over containers. Unlike taller zinnias, it stays neat and never flops. It is also known for its strong disease resistance and low maintenance needs. The bright tangerine blooms are irresistible to pollinators. Heat, drought, and humidity barely faze this cheerful overachiever.
5. Zinnia elegans 'California Giants Mix'
If you love bold displays, this mix offers large, double blooms in bright reds, purples, yellows, and pinks. Each plant grows up to 4 feet tall, making it a top choice for garden drama or cut flower arrangements. The mix guarantees a surprise with every plant, as no two colors dominate. These zinnias bloom continuously and thrive in poor soil, too. Butterflies and bees visit often, adding motion to the color show. They are a staple for classic summer garden beds.
6. Zinnia marylandica 'Double Zahara Fire'
These fiery orange-red blooms light up beds and pots without requiring daily attention. With its fully double flowers and tight growth habit, this zinnia works well in mass plantings or stand-alone pots. It resists mildew and leaf spot better than many older varieties. Blooms start early in summer and keep going strong until frost. The vibrant color makes a bold impact from afar. It thrives in full sun and does not need staking.
7. Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Lime Orange'
Sister to ‘Queeny Lime Red,’ this variety blends peachy orange with lime for a warm, glowing effect. The 2 to 3-inch flowers resemble small dahlias and work beautifully in bouquets. This variety performs well even in high heat and tough soil. It adds an unexpected twist to typical zinnia color schemes. The strong stems and uniform habit make it ideal for cut gardens. It is one of the most elegant choices for summer beds.
8. Zinnia angustifolia 'Crystal White'
A low-growing option with simple charm, this plant produces crisp white, daisy-like blooms with sunny yellow centers. It excels in hot, dry conditions and spreads nicely without taking over. Its compact size makes it perfect for container edges or rock gardens. It is a great contrast to brighter zinnias and helps soften bold color schemes. This zinnia also resists disease and keeps blooming without deadheading. Butterflies appreciate its open flower form.
9. Zinnia elegans 'Oklahoma Pink'
This variety may have smaller blooms, but they are fully double and produced in abundance. The bubblegum-pink flowers sit on branching plants that reach about 3 feet tall. It is especially prized for its vase life, making it a florist favorite. The Oklahoma series is more tolerant of weather swings than many large-flowered types. These blooms hold their shape and color even in wind and rain. They are easy to grow and rewarding to harvest.
10. Zinnia marylandica 'Zahara Sunburst'
Bold yellow petals streaked with red centers give this plant a tropical vibe. It blooms early and often, with no need for deadheading or pruning. The compact growth habit is tidy and great for containers. It stands up to heat, humidity, and mildew, making it a tough summer pick. Its glowing colors pair well with grasses or silvery foliage. The flowers bring in pollinators from miles away.
11. Zinnia elegans 'Queen Red Lime'
Known for its muted but sophisticated tones, this variety mixes soft burgundy with lime green petals. Its medium-sized, double blooms provide a welcome contrast to the typical bright zinnia colors. The plant grows upright and blooms steadily without much care. It adds a moody, vintage element to borders and bouquets. Like others in the Queeny series, it is dependable in summer heat. This one is especially beloved in floral design.
12. Zinnia elegans 'Canary Bird'
This cheerful variety delivers clear, bright yellow blooms on tall, branching plants. The petals maintain their sunny color even in scorching sunlight. It is ideal for creating color harmony in golden-themed borders or pairing with purple flowers. Its classic zinnia form brings a timeless charm to any garden. Easy to grow from seed and highly productive, it rewards minimal effort. Bees are especially drawn to its vivid blooms.
13. Zinnia marylandica 'Double Zahara Cherry'
Vibrant cherry-pink double flowers cover compact plants all summer long. This variety resists mildew and keeps its foliage lush without spraying. It is a favorite for small-space gardeners and container growers. Despite its petite size, it delivers a large visual impact. The blooms are tight and rounded, giving it a neat, ornamental look. It is carefree and colorful even in unpredictable weather.
14. Zinnia elegans 'Isabellina'
A rare choice for lovers of soft tones, this variety features pale, buttery yellow blooms. Its subtle color works well in cottage gardens or pastel-themed plantings. Though delicate in appearance, it handles sun and heat like a champ. The medium-tall plants hold their blooms upright without support. It adds a gentle glow to beds and bouquets. Isabellina is perfect for those who prefer understated beauty.
15. Zinnia elegans 'Mazurkia'
Mazurkia's offers eye-catching, double flowers approximately 4 inches across, featuring brilliant scarlet petals adorned with white tips. Blooming profusely from midsummer to frost, this variety has received Novelty status for its improved doubleness and better plant habit, making it ideal for landscaping and cut flowers.
16. Zinnia elegans 'Zinderella Lilac'
This variety features frilly, scabiosa-like blooms in soft lilac-pink hues with dark centers. The semi-double to fully double flowers add a touch of elegance and texture to garden beds and bouquets. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, 'Zinderella Lilac' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
17. Zinnia marylandica 'Zahara Starlight Rose'
White petals with a soft rose center create a gentle, eye-catching contrast. The flowers hold up well to heat, humidity, and rainfall. Its tidy, low-growing habit makes it perfect for borders or containers. Blooms keep coming with no deadheading needed. This variety brings a cooling presence to hot summer landscapes. Its bicolor effect stands out, especially among solid-colored companions.
18. Zinnia elegans 'Envy'
This unusual zinnia boasts green blooms that verge on chartreuse. The color may be unexpected, but it blends beautifully with both pastels and bold tones. Envy is best used to add depth and curiosity to floral designs. Plants are vigorous and flower freely in hot weather. The semi-double blooms sit on branching stems that fill in garden gaps. It is a conversation starter in any flower bed.
19. Zinnia elegans 'Zowie! Yellow Flame'
This eye-catching variety features bright yellow petals with fiery red centers, creating a flame-like appearance. The semi-double blooms are about 3 inches wide and stand out in any garden setting. They perform well in hot, sunny conditions and require minimal maintenance. Perfect for adding a burst of color to your summer landscape.
20. Zinnia elegans 'Cherry Queen'
A tall and bold variety, Cherry Queen delivers deep red blooms with velvety texture. The flowers are large and long-lasting, making them great for fresh arrangements. Its rich color adds warmth to the summer garden. This classic variety thrives in heat and poor soil with little complaint. It is a standout in both modern and traditional planting schemes. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors.
21. Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput Mix'
These petite pom-pom blooms come in rich, saturated jewel tones on compact plants. The fully double flowers are tightly formed and work well in small arrangements. Though small, they are produced in huge numbers all season. Lilliput plants are great for neat edging or filling in small gaps. The mix includes red, purple, yellow, and orange blooms. They are reliable performers in all kinds of weather.
22. Zinnia tenuifolia 'Red Spider'
This compact, upright annual boasts a profusion of single, daisy-like flowers with spidery, narrow petals in rich red hues. Blooming from summer to fall, 'Red Spider' adds a delicate, airy texture to garden beds and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its neat and bushy growth habit makes it suitable for borders and containers.
23. Zinnia elegans 'Senorita'
This heirloom variety features large, cactus-type blooms with spiky, curled petals in shades of coral-pink and salmon. The flowers often start as pale peaches and deepen in color as they mature, adding dynamic interest to garden beds. Growing up to 3 feet tall, 'Senorita' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming profusely from early summer until frost. Its sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
24. Zinnia marylandica 'Zahara Starlight Rose'
This variety features large white flowers adorned with rose stripes, strikingly contrasting garden beds. As the flowers mature, a circle of small golden stars appears around the center disk, enhancing their visual appeal. The compact plants are disease-resistant and bloom continuously from early summer to frost. Ideal for sunny borders and containers, they attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
How to Keep the Color Coming All Season
Zinnias are a dream for summer gardeners because they do not ask for much in return. Just give them sun, well-drained soil, and the occasional deadheading, and they will reward you with wave after wave of bright blooms. Mixing compact types, bold giants, and unusual colors allows you to build a garden that feels alive from the first warm days to the final weeks of fall. With so many shapes, sizes, and shades to choose from, these 24 varieties make it easy to grow a summer space that never feels static.
Want to attract more hummingbirds to your yard? Start with these 26 Flowers That Hummingbirds Can’t Resist This Season.