Hi, Bees will make random crosses as well as self pollination. Reds will not always produce reds. When you buy a packet of mixed zinnias, unless it is a "formula blend", it comes from a field of mixed open pollinated zinnias, with most of the pollination being done by bees, which is a commercial version of the very thing you described. If you want to cross two of your zinnias, simply take pollen from one zinnia and apply it to the stigmas of the other zinnia. The pollen is in the star-shaped yellow florets, and the stigmas are the yellow Y-shaped antennas at the base of each petal. The best time to pollinate is in the morning when the pollen is still fresh and the bees haven't "stolen" it yet. Zinnias are relatively easy to cross, because their pollen and stigmas are relatively large and easy to manipulate. Their stigmas can remain receptive for over a week, but when they are successfully pollinated, they wither and die within a day or two. Your hand-pollinated hybrid zinnia seed can be planted in only a few weeks, letting you see the results of your cross in the same year or even the same season. By crossing your own zinnias, you can get some new zinnias that you would never get from a seed packet. I enjoy growing and breeding zinnias as a hobby. ZM

You have received excellent suggestions, really. I just add two candidates I would consider. Both are landscaping roses by meilland and as such have the problem of being NOT fragrant. However, they are healthy and repeat well. One is "botticelli" (Meisylpho ) , pinkish orange (starts pink then turns pink-orange): (the dots on the leaves are paint, I was painting some wooden windows nearby) The other is "cocorico" (Meilasso ), bicolor. Cocorico came in my garden due to a mistake by the nursery, and I was angry, but when I saw these blooms I was no more angry, not at all: PS: lavender is used together with roses also because it is said to be a deterrent for aphids. Furthermore, if used together with HT roses, lavender covers their ugly naked canes.

If they're in pots and exposed to frost, move them to a protected location...these may not overwinter...depends on the coldness of your geographic location (if you freeze, they will be toast). P. "rubrum" is tender for an ornamental grass. If they survive, follow wanda's advice.

My Ville de Lyon has performed beautifully.