What Do Zinnias Symbolize? A Guide to Their Meaning and Myths

Zinnia, in the language of flowers, carries the twin symbolic meaning of friendship and romantic love. During Victorian times, red and magenta Zinnia flowers were a popular choice to convey sentiments of desire and romantic intention. Additionally, they have long been symbolic of celebration and reunion, particularly amongst friends. 

Etymological Meaning

The common Latin name for the plant, Zinnia, is derived from the first European scholar to describe it. Dr. Johann Gottfried Zinn wrote about one of the genus members in the 1600s, although the common Zinnia wouldn’t become popular for another century.

Zinnias have meaning throughout their native and adopted ranges, but the symbolism behind these flowers begins with the colors.

The Victorian Langauge of Flowers

In modern flower language, zinnia flowers are commonly used to celebrate friendship or new success. Yet they also have a history of symbolic use in other cultures that contemporary flower designers can draw from when creating fresh bouquets.

Since Zinnia was long cultivated and developed into brightly colored, large-sized blooms by the Victorian era, it was part of the famous flower language of the time, known as floriography.

In Victorian times, these flowers were associated with thoughts of absent friends, lasting affection, and remembering good times with those far away.

Color Symbolism

Zinnias are known for their bright, vibrant colors and ability to bloom from mid-summer into autumn. In Victorian times, color added layers of nuanced meaning to the respective flower:

• Green: Growth, wealth, money, success, and new starts.
• Yellow: Joyfulness, energy, youthfulness, friendship, and support.
• White: Purity, healing, recovery, peace, and elegance.
• Orange: Power, energy, success, drive, ambition, and family bonds.
• Red: Romantic love, passion, health, success, and good health.
• Pink: Happiness, gentleness, grace, gentleness, and non-romantic love.
• Purple: Elegance, regalness, royalty, wealth, success, and commitment.

Zinnia Flowers in Mexico and Spain

Zinnias are native Mexican flowers, and the Spanish explorers who contacted the Aztec emperors developed meanings for them. 

They learned that the native people called the flowers “eye sores”, or “mal de ojo” in Spanish. This name, in particular, refers to the Zinnia peruviana. 

However, Zinnia elegans is still commonly known in Spain and Mexico by that name. This is due to the bright color of the blooms, which can hurt the eyes when viewed on a mainly sunny day. 

Despite the less-than-positive-sounding name, the flowers are considered romantic symbols of love in Spain and Mexico.

Art and Literature

Zinnias are also the focus of many famous art pieces due to their unique shapes and bold colors. 

Some famous artists who have made Zinnia-themed artwork include Vincent Van Gogh and Clementine Hunter, who painted hundreds of artworks featuring these beautiful flowers.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Zinnias are great for bouquets given to friends, especially those meant to celebrate a going-away party or a welcome-home event. They’re also commonly used in romantic bouquets and even wedding floral arrangements.

Fun Facts About Zinnia Flowers

Zinnia flowers are popular for their bright and diverse colors and have several interesting aspects that make them unique in botany and gardening. Here are some fun facts about zinnia flowers:

1. Butterfly Magnet: Zinnias are known for attracting butterflies, making them an excellent choice for butterfly gardens.
2. Easy to Grow: Zinnias are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in most soil types as long as there’s good drainage. They’re resistant to most pests and diseases, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners and those looking for low-maintenance flowers.
3. Edible Flowers: Zinnia flowers are edible, though they are more often used as garnishes or decorations than as main ingredients in dishes. Their bright petals can add color to salads, desserts, and cocktails.
4. Long Bloom Time: Zinnias have one of the longest flowering seasons of any garden flower, from early summer to the first frosts of autumn.
5. Space Travelers: Zinnias made history by being the first flower grown in the International Space Station (ISS). In 2016, the Veggie plant growth system on the ISS successfully grew zinnias, providing valuable insights into plant growth in microgravity and bringing a touch of earthly beauty to the space station.

Wrap Up

Don’t let the familiarity of Zinnia flowers make it less meaningful or mystical as a symbol. These colorful blooms belong in every landscape. Since they’re easy to grow and can be cut for homemade bouquets and flower gifts, there’s no reason not to include them in every garden. Zinnias are quickly grown from seed, making them a quick addition to the landscape with minimal investment.

Further reading: Discover the most popular types of zinnia flowers to grow at home.