The zinnia is a genus of plants that falls in the sunflower tribe. It is incredibly popular in the Southwestern United States and is grown all the way to South America. The zinnia is also quite diverse in parts of Mexico.
The plant is perhaps most popular because of its long-stemmed flowers that grow away from others. They are available in a host of different colors. The plant is named after the famous botanist Johann Zinn.
The zinnia is often regarded as the hardest working flower in the summer garden. During the summer months, you will want plants in your garden that have three main qualities.
You will want your plants to be brightly colored, as well as tolerant to heat and drought. You will also want to minimize the amount of effort required to grow the plant because maintenance is a serious concern for many people.
The zinnia likes to work incredibly fast. It’s one of the easiest flowers to grow. You don’t even need to worry about preparing the soil all that much before you start to grow it.
However, the zinnia likes to grow in a bit of well-drained soil. It can grow really well in any area where it gets a decent amount of heat. But, you don’t have to worry about the zinnia growing alone in your garden.
There are a number of different plants with which you can grow the zinnia. Here are just some of the many different plants that you can grow with the zinnia.
1 – Vegetable Garden
The zinnia is by far one of the best companions for your vegetable garden. There are a number of different plants that you can add into your vegetable garden, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and a whole lot more.
When you add the zinnia into the same area as your tomatoes, you should know that the plant is going to attract bees and other winged insects such as monarch butterflies.
Even the painted lady, one of the most popular migratory butterflies in Europe, can be attracted to your vegetable garden with the zinnia.
Before you plant the zinnias in your garden, you will have to take a look at your interior décor. There are so many different kinds of zinnias available, so you have to make sure that you take the color scheme into account before making a decision.
2 – The Purple Fountain Grass
The zinnia is an excellent plant that can be grown in tandem with the purple fountain grass. The purple fountain grass does not require a lot of care, and it also offers striking shades along with very elegant movement on your patio or your garden.
The purple fountain grass can be grown along with the zinnias to add a lot of color to your garden. The plant does not require a lot of care, and it is also a real favorite for many people.
The crimson plumes tend to arch toward one side, and this adds gorgeous contrast to all of the flowers in your surroundings.
As mentioned above, the plant tends to grow really fast, and it can reach a height of up to five feet in a very short span of time. On top of that, the grass also blooms at times, giving way to red or burgundy flower plumes that tend to grow on these arches.
You don’t have to worry about deer chewing on the grass as well. Furthermore, it’s completely drought tolerant, so you don’t have to be wary about watering the plant again and again.
If you need a reliable partner plant for your zinnias in the summer months, you simply can’t go wrong with this one.
3 – Mealy Cup Sage
The Salvia Farinacea, also known as the Mealy Cup Sage, is an excellent addition to any garden with zinnias. It has wonderful violet flower spikes and it blooms consistently from the late spring until the time the frost arrives.
More importantly, this is one of the most highly adaptable plants in the world. It works incredibly well in sunny spots and can be grown in a perennial or annual garden, whichever you prefer.
You can also grow the grass in patio containers or in pots made of ceramic. The flower spikes are a shade of deep violet, and you can always cut them, dry them out and use them as flowers for your bouquets or any other craft project that you might be undertaking.
4 – The China Aster
The China Aster is one of the most gorgeous annual plants in the world. It is also incredibly exuberant, and is an incredibly rewarding plant to grow.
The stunning hues of color and its consistent blooms make it one of the most popular choices for gardeners who need a partner for their zinnias. The plant tends to grow all the way from the early summer weeks until the fall season begins.
Each flower can grow to a maximum of 3.5 inches, and the form tends to vary as well. It starts from the single blossoms that have a golden heart in between, and if you have a particularly showy plant, it may take the pompom form with completely developed double flowers.
The foliage is incredibly broad as well and differs, with some plants having triangular ovate leaves. The plant is able to grow from a mere 12 inches to a full 36 inches on the branching stems.
You might want to take a look at the variety you are buying to determine how it’s going to look when fully grown.
5 – The Dahlia
The Dahlia is definitely not a plant that needs an introduction. It’s one of the most impressive flowers in the world and gives off colorful flowers. The David Howard Dahlia has won many awards and has apricot-orange flowers that bloom against the purple foliage.
If you want a colorful partner for your zinnias, you simply can’t go wrong with this one. It produces full double flowers that are able to grow a maximum of four inches.
More importantly, the plant isn’t top heavy, and will remain upright even if it’s wet with water. In times of rainfall, you don’t have to worry about your plant drooping to one side or affecting the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
6 – The Toothpick Weed
Finally, there’s the Toothpick Weed. If you have colorful zinnias and want something that’s going to bring out all of the color and make them look unique, you should consider the beautiful toothpick weed.
This is a lovely annual or biennial plant that has domed umbels. Each of these umbels can grow five inches across, and they include tightly packed flowers that look absolutely gorgeous.
It is a phenomenal choice for people who want a good-looking flowering plant that isn’t going to hog the spotlight from your zinnias. These plants are generally of a uniform yellow or beige color, so the zinnias will provide all the color.
These are just some of the many partnering plants that you can add to your garden and grow along with your zinnias. Or, if you want, you can create a colorful garden by planting all of these together!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.