10 Easy Zinnia and Rose Garden Combinations Anyone Can Grow

5. Red Carpet Treatment: Creating Drama with Oklahoma Red Zinnias and Mr. Lincoln Roses

A flourishing zinnia and rose garden lines a white house with dark gray shutters, featuring dense clusters of round zinnia blooms alongside delicate roses, all in vibrant red. Deep green foliage contrasts with the flowers above brown mulched soil, while a light gray walkway borders the bed. Mature trees frame the background of this sun-lit garden scene.

Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite garden combinations that never fails to make visitors stop in their tracks! After years of experimenting with different pairings, I’ve found that ‘Oklahoma Red’ zinnias and ‘Mr. Lincoln’ hybrid tea roses create what I like to call the ultimate red carpet moment in any garden.

The Perfect Color Match

The deep, velvety red of Mr. Lincoln roses perfectly complements the bright, true red of Oklahoma Red zinnias. I learned this the hard way after trying other red varieties that clashed terribly! These two varieties share similar color undertones, creating what I call a symphony in scarlet. The roses have a classic, sophisticated form while the zinnias add a playful, contemporary touch.

Timing and Bloom Cycles

Here’s something cool I discovered through trial and error: these plants actually tag-team throughout the season! Mr. Lincoln roses typically give you their first flush of blooms in late spring, with repeated flushes throughout summer. The strategic timing comes into play when you plant your Oklahoma Red zinnias about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. This ensures they’ll start blooming just as your roses are taking a brief rest between flushes.

Design Tips and Placement

Let me share my favorite layout trick: I plant the roses as the backbone of the display, spacing them about 3 feet apart in a row. Then, I create a stunning foreground by placing the zinnias in groups of 3-5 plants about 18 inches in front of the roses. The height difference (roses reaching 5-6 feet and zinnias at 3 feet) creates this amazing layered effect that adds so much depth to the garden.

Maintenance Secrets

I’ve learned that the key to keeping this combination looking its best is regular deadheading. Both plants are heavy bloomers, and removing spent flowers encourages them to keep producing. I make it a habit to spend about 10 minutes each morning with my pruners – it’s actually become my favorite way to start the day!

Want to know what makes this combination even more special? Both varieties make excellent cut flowers! I always plant a few extra plants specifically for cutting, which gives me gorgeous bouquets that last over a week indoors.

Ready to discover another stunning combination? Click the next button below to learn about our “Butterfly Magnet Mix” – a pairing that’s not only beautiful but also brings your garden to life with countless winged visitors! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this pollinator paradise featuring the spectacular Benary’s Giant Mix zinnias and their perfect rose companion.