Flowers for the bees and a vase

Zinnia

Flowers for the bees and a vase

The zinnia is a beautiful flower that is native to Mexico. The zinnia is a member of the Asteraceae family and is closely related to the daisy. The zinnia is a annual plant that grows to be about 2-3 feet tall. The zinnia has large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. The zinnia is a popular choice for gardens and bouquets. The zinnia is a relatively easy plant to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.

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While zinnias are not a native plant to the mid Atlantic area, they are a good pollen source for our pollinators that can tolerate pollen from many species, such as our native bumblebee. Zinnias are often grown from seeds, such as these plants. When choosing a Zinnia variety, avoid the “double-bloom” varieties as that means the pollen on the interior of these flowers have been replaced with petals. No pollen, no pollinators.