Prairie Zinnia
Zinnia grandiflora
Perennial
Bloom
July — September
Color
Yellow — Orange
Height
8—12 inches
Spread
12—18 inches
Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Very low — highly drought tolerant
A Colorado plateau native perennial that blooms prolifically with bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers throughout late summer and fall. Unlike annual zinnias, Z. grandiflora is a hardy perennial in the Denver metro and survives on natural precipitation in lean, well-draining soils. The flowers attract butterflies and native bees continuously from midsummer until frost.
Growing conditions
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy/rocky
- Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Water: Very low — highly drought tolerant
- Drought tolerance: Excellent
- Hardiness: Colorado native / adapted · USDA Zones 4–7
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value: High — butterflies, bees
- Landscape use: Xeriscape gardens, late-season color, pollinator borders, meadow plantings.
Want Prairie Zinnia in your yard?
Xeris designs and installs native plant xeriscapes across Denver and the Front Range. We'll walk your site, assess soil and sun, and build a plan that thrives.
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