When I showed you this first photo of my zinnia “envy” bloom a few weeks back, I was quite impressed with its pastel lime-colored splendor.

It appears, however, that I may have rushed things a little, because time

proved that it was only phase one of this sturdy garden flower’s coming of age — and each phase was striking unto itself.

The first shot reveals a flatter flower, with only about three layers of petals that curl inward and have a decidedly green hue.

The second photo, taken several days later, shows the same flower, adding more layers of petals at its center (click on the images to enlarge for a closer look) and taking on paler more yellow tones, too.

In the final shot, you can see that the shape of the flower has changed a lot through this evolution: it’s now morphed into a rounded flower, with much more depth due to the multiple layers of petals.

You’ll notice as well that in this third picture the green tint, which gives this zinnia its common name, is most pronounced on the younger petals unfurling at its eye.

So, from a green, showy fresh blossom to an impressive mature specimen, there is much to envy in this popular garden flower.

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Note: I’ve grown this annual for several years now in my balcony container garden, and it seems to do well when sown directly outside. Zinnia is nice for adding height to the rear or center of containers.

This is the second green-toned variety I’ve tried (“tequila lime was the first), but it comes in many colors… Let me know your favorite.