I absolutely love zinnias because they light up my garden every summer!
They’re tough, drought-resistant, and butterflies can’t get enough of them (what’s not to like?). But just like any other garden gem, zinnias have a few plants they don’t get along with.
I had high hopes for a vibrant garden, with zinnias taking center stage… and let’s just say things didn’t go as planned because I combined a bunch of plants with different growing requirements (this is a big no-no!).
So, before you head out to buy more plants to pair with your zinnias, it’s a good idea to know which ones won’t play nice together (and save yourself some frustration).
Keep reading to learn which plants to avoid planting alongside your zinnias!
Snapdragons Are A Bit Too Delicate For Zinnias
Snapdragons are known for their bright colors and fun name (their flowers look like tiny dragon snouts!).
They thrive in cool, moist conditions, which makes them a bit too delicate for zinnias, who love the hot, dry summer days.
When I planted them together, snapdragons ended up wilting while zinnias were thriving in the heat.
If you want a snapdragon alternative that can handle the sun, try summer snapdragons (Angelonia angustifolia) or African corn-lily (Ixia). Both do better in hot weather and will happily share space with your zinnias!
Also read: Plant Zinnias At The Right Time Of Year And See Them Bloom Like Crazy
Impatiens Don’t Like The Sun As Much As Zinnias Do
You’d think impatiens and zinnias would make the perfect pair with their cheerful blooms, right? Well, not quite!
Impatiens prefer some shade, while zinnias love soaking up the sun. Plus, impatiens need moist soil, which would leave your zinnias feeling waterlogged.
Instead, go for cosmos or everlasting daisies if you want impatiens-like flowers that can handle the sun. Or, stick to shady areas for impatiens with companions like camellias or bleeding hearts.
Not All Phlox Varieties Are Sun Lovers
Phlox is a true gardening gem – these plants are low-maintenance, make great groundcovers, and some varieties are so full of flowers, you won’t need anything else in your flower garden!
However, not all phlox varieties are sun lovers, so planting them next to zinnias is not a good idea.
For example, woodland phlox prefers shade and won’t be happy in the sun with your zinnias. Then there’s the confusion between two creeping phlox types – P. stolonifera (shade lover) and P. subulata (sun lover).
If you want a sun-friendly option, go for P. subulata, also known as moss phlox, which loves full sun and is drought-tolerant.
Just check the leaves: P. stolonifera has oval ones, while P. subulata has pointy leaves.
But if that sounds like too much work, go for garden phlox – it thrives in full sun, so you can grow it with your zinnias.
Related: Creeping Phlox vs Creeping Thyme: What Is Better Ground Cover?
Zinnias Don’t Like Acidic Soil Like Azaleas Do
Azaleas and rhododendrons are often mistaken for the same plant since they’re both in the Rhododendron genus, but there’s a catch – while all azaleas are rhododendrons, not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Confusing, right?
One big thing they do have in common is their love for acidic soil. Azaleas, for instance, thrive in soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0, while zinnias prefer it at around 5.5. So, even though there’s some overlap, one of them might not be so happy with the soil pH.
That said, there’s a slim chance they might still coexist, but if you want to avoid any trouble, you could replace azaleas with sun-loving shrubs like glossy abelia, oakleaf hydrangea, or crape myrtle.
If you’re looking for a companion that can handle more acidic soil like azaleas, try the Madagascar periwinkle, cornflower, or black-eyed Susan.
Related: The Surprising Truth About Deadheading Azaleas You Need To Know
Begonias Don’t Want To Be In The Spotlight
Begonias are a staple of every flower garden. This is understandable since they boast bright, cheerful blooms that can light up any outdoor space!
Recently, their hybrid cousins with stunning leaf patterns have become popular, making their way from porches to those trendy IKEA greenhouse cabinets loved by houseplant fans.
However, despite their gorgeous flowers and leaves, begonias aren’t into the spotlight – too much direct sun can scorch them. This makes them a poor fit for the sunny zinnia garden, as begonias thrive in shadier, humid spots that remind them of their tropical roots.
No worries, though! There are plenty of sun-loving alternatives that can fill the space left by begonias. Consider planting lantana or Jolt Pink dianthus, which produce blooms similar to begonias.
If you’re after something with flashy leaves to mimic rex begonias, try caladiums (just remember, their colors won’t be as vivid in full sun) or Florida Sunset weigela.
And if you want flowers that thrive in conditions where begonias usually shine, both anthuriums and orchids thrive in humid, lower-light environments.
Remember to always grow plants with similar growing conditions together. So, for your zinnias, opt for those that don’t mind the heat and drought!
Related: 10 Best Zinnia Companion Plants + Some Varieties To Avoid