The zinnia flower is arguably one of the most commonly grown blooms by backyard gardeners, probably because it’s so easy to grow!
This flower can be grown from seed and is sure to bring charm and joy to your garden. Blooming for a long period of time, this flower offers a lovely pop of color, enduring from the beginning of summer well on to the first frost.
First grown in the southwestern portion of the United States along with Central America and Mexico, the flower is prized for its hardiness. However, did you know that zinnias also have extensive symbolic meaning?
Here are a few of the zinnia flower’s many hidden meanings.
What is the Etymological Meaning of Zinnia Flowers?
The word “zinnia” is not Latin – it is simply a name that was given in commemoration of Dr. Johann Gottfried Zinn, a botanist. Zinnia is also a lovely flower name for girls.
Zinnia elegans has a unique flower meaning, which we’ll get to later in this post.
These brightly colored blooms are a great addition to any garden, living room, or backyard.
But what exactly are zinnia flowers? These pretty flowers, simply named after the German botanist Johann Zinn, are an important part of the Asteraceae family. They come in a variety of colors, including magenta, purple, orange, and even clementine hunter green.
And each zinnia flower symbolizes something different. For example, white zinnias represent good wishes.
Zinnia flowers have also been given meaningful botanical characteristics in different cultures. Native Americans used them to symbolize different family members, and in Victorian times, they were often given as a gift to a romantic partner to express eternal love.
But it’s not all flowers and rainbows with these blooms. Zinnia flowers are also known for their medicinal properties. In Mexican culture, they’re used to protect against mal de ojo (evil eye), and certain colors are believed to bring good health.
What Do Zinnias Symbolize?
Zinnias are vibrant and cheerful flowers that can be found in a wide range of colors, from magenta to white and everything in between. They are the perfect gifts to convey different emotions and meaningful messages to your loved ones.
Zinnias are also known for being the fifth chakra flower, and for their symbolic meanings, which include friendship, affection, and remembrance.
Whether you’re giving zinnias to an old friend, a loved one, or a family member, these blooms will surely put a smile on their face. The purple zinnia flower, for example, is perfect to express admiration and respect, while the red zinnia represents romance and the color green symbolizes growth and healing.
Zinnia flower tattoos have become quite popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. These beautiful flowers make stunning designs and can be combined with other colorful flowers to create a unique and personalized tattoo.
Early summer is the best time to plant these flowers. The common zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is also popular for its abundance of blooms and resistance to disease.
Zinnias are the perfect gift for any occasion, whether it’s to say hello, goodbye, or just to show someone you care. They are beautiful, meaningful, and come in a variety of colors and categories. Plus, they carry so much symbolic richness and depth that they will surely convey your emotions and feelings in the most heartfelt way possible.
What Does a Pink Zinnia Symbolize?
Pink zinnias are usually used to symbolize love, romance, and affection. You would be least likely to give a pink zinnia to a friend – this one should be reserved for romantic partners.
What Does a Purple Zinnia Symbolize?
Purple zinnias usually symbolize royalty, class, and beauty as many other purple flowers do. The purple zinnia, with its colorful blossoms, is a popular choice for giving to someone who has just achieved something amazing, like a graduation.
What Does a Red Zinnia Mean?
Red zinnias usually symbolize romance, love, and passion. The color red can symbolize aggression and anger, too, but usually are used for more positive occasions instead.
What Does a Yellow Zinnia Represent?
Yellow zinnias symbolize positive energy, joy, and optimism. It’s also one of the flowers that mean friendship.
What Does a White Zinnia Mean?
White zinnias symbolize purity, spirituality, and innocence. They are perfect flowers for weddings or other spiritual occasions.
What Do Magenta Zinnias Represent?
These colorful flowers are often associated with a sense of confidence and beauty. Magenta zinnias signify admiration, unity, and spiritual strength. So, if you’re looking to express your appreciation and respect for someone special, gift them some magenta zinnias, and watch them glow!
What Does an Orange Zinnia Flower Symbolize?
Orange zinnias are cheerful flowers that create an instant uplifting effect. They represent joy, happiness, and excitement. Orange is also known for its association with the fifth chakra, which governs communication, creativity, and self-expression.
So, if you’re feeling a little blue and need a zest of inspiration, try planting some orange zinnias in your garden or getting an orange zinnia tattoo! Who knows, you might discover new and vibrant sides of yourself that you never knew existed.
What is the Cultural Significance of a Zinnia?
The zinnia is native to America and Mexico, most commonly grown as a perennial in warm regions. In cooler areas, it is grown as an annual. The name was bequeathed upon the plant by German botanist Johann Gottfriend Zinn, who named the plant upon its arrival to Europe in the mid-1700s.
Zinnias are highly revered in cultures around the world, used as symbols for various organizations.
What is the Symbolism of a Zinnia Tattoo?
Choosing a zinnia tattoo can signify lots of potential meanings, but more often than not, a zinnia tattoo is chosen to show empathy or longing for a friend who is absent for one reason or another. They can be inked in all colors, varieties, and sizes.
When Should You Give Someone a Zinnia?
Zinnia flowers can be given to those who are feeling lost or without a direction. They can be given to people who need to resolve major problems.
Although it’s not a birth flower for any month, in particular, it would also be a great flower to give on a major occasion like a birthday or an anniversary. It is best given to friends and good acquaintances.
No matter what occasion you decide to give a zinnia on, you’re sure to make a lasting impression. After all, when you give someone a zinnia flower, you are giving them a gift that comes from the heart.
See more: What to plant with zinnias
*Photo by ekina1/depositphotos
