The Fuss-Free Zinnia To Plant For Continuous Blooms, Birds, And Butterflies

Wondering what flowers you can plant to attract more butterflies, birds, and other pollinators to your garden? Or, maybe you're looking for an eye-catching flower that's easy to grow and will give you continuous blooms for months on end. Either way, profusion zinnias (Zinnia elegans 'profusion') are the perfect pick. Beloved for their circular, highly saturated blooms in a wide range of colors, these low-maintenance flowering plants that will thrive in full sun are magnets for butterflies, who can frequently be found feasting on their sweet nectar. They also attract hummingbirds and bees. Hardy in USDA Zones 2 through 11, profusion zinnias flower over and over again from early summer all the way to the first frost of the year. Not only are they derivative of a plant that's native to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, they are famously unfussy, making them a suitable option for beginner gardeners.

Profusion zinnias differ from other forms of zinnias (Zinnia spp.) because they are a hybridized version of two distinct subspecies: Zinnia elegans, and Zinnia angustifolia. This innovative subspecies was deliberately engineered to combine all the best traits of both varieties. Case in point: Profusion zinnias are naturally compact and extremely resistant to drought, heat, and humidity. New flowers grow on top of old ones, too, eliminating the need for deadheading. It's no wonder many established gardeners sing the praises of profusion zinnias. This plant series has even won a number of prestigious awards in the gardening world.

Profusion zinnias aren't just easy to maintain; they're also easy to grow. They're annuals, so be prepared to reestablish them in your garden, yard, or planter year after year. If you're planting from seed and sowing outdoors, aim to plant your profusion zinnias in late winter or early spring, after the last frost of the season. Choose a spot that gets plenty of light — these flowers prefer full sun. Make sure that the soil is rich, drains well, and stays consistently moist as their roots are growing. 

To keep your profusion zinnias happy and disease-free, spread each plant out so they're at least 12 inches apart. (Overcrowding is one of those common mistakes that everyone makes when growing zinnias.) This will ensure that each plant has plenty of air circulation around it and room to grow. Once established, you won't have to fret over this gorgeous flowering plant. It is self-cleaning and requires minimal watering outside of dry spells or droughts. Prepare to reap all the rewards of common zinnias (Zinnia elegans) with less fuss — namely, an influx of beautiful blooms that will keep your garden popping for months, as well as a noticeable uptick in pretty pollinators.

Hoping to plant a rock garden? Drought-tolerant Mexican zinnias (Zinnia Haageana) could be a better fit for you. Like profusion zinnias, this variety tends to grow low to the ground. It favors hot, dry conditions and would work out well for anyone who lives in a desert-like climate or wants to establish zinnias in an area that doesn't get much water. Regardless of which variety you choose, planting zinnias will keep your garden full of pollinators through fall and add a bright, cheery look to your property.