The easiest flowers to grow from seed, zinnias come in a variety of bloom forms. Learn about flower shapes, bloom types, and petal styles.
From button-sized puffs to bold, full pom-poms, zinnias transform garden beds into a festival of color and form. These easy-to-grow annuals come in more shapes and styles than you might expect—and they’re anything but ordinary.
A Bloom for Every Garden Style
Zinnias are summer staples that bring texture, height, and an explosion of color to garden borders, pollinator beds, and cut flower arrangements. With so many types to choose from, it’s easy to find a variety that suits your space and gardening goals.
Dahlia-Flowered Zinnias
These zinnias earn their name from their striking resemblance to dahlias. With fully double blooms and rounded petals, they create a dramatic, sculpted look. They're ideal for cut flower arrangements and offer a plush, layered appearance in the garden.
Cactus-Flowered Zinnias
Spiky, twisted petals give cactus zinnias a whimsical, fringed texture that adds movement and interest to flower beds. Their open form also makes them especially appealing to pollinators.
Pompon Zinnias
Compact and globe-shaped, pompon zinnias bring uniform color and tidy structure to mixed plantings. Their petite size makes them perfect for containers or as front-border accents.
Single and Semi-Double Zinnias
With a more open bloom form, these zinnias show off their central disc—making them a magnet for bees and butterflies. Semi-double types add an extra layer of petals for added interest without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Scabiosa-Flowered Zinnias
These unique zinnias resemble pincushion flowers, with central florets that pop against a ring of outer petals. Their unusual shape makes them a conversation starter in both gardens and bouquets.
Zinnia Linearis (or Narrowleaf Zinnia)
Compact and spreading, this species thrives in hot, dry conditions and is a favorite for edging and containers. Its narrow leaves and smaller blooms offer a refined, tidy look.
By: Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
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