Creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens)

Creeping zinnia

Features and Characteristics

Sanvitalia procumbens, commonly called creeping zinnia, is a mat-forming annual that typically grows to 6” tall but spreads by procumbent stems to 12-18” wide or more. Features a summer to frost bloom of ¾” diameter miniature sunflowers with yellow to orange-yellow rays and dark purplish-brown center disks. Varieties come in single- and double-flowered forms. Creeping stems are clad with oval, medium green, zinnia-like leaves (to 2” long), hence the common name.

Genus name honors Federico Sanvitali (1704-176- , professor at Brescia, Italy.

Specific epithet means prostrate.

Care and Maintenance

Annual. Easily grown in average, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Best flowering in full sun. Prefers light, sandy-humusy soils with good drainage. Thrives in the heat and humidity of typical St. Louis summers. For best results, sow seed directly in the garden 1-2 weeks before last frost date. Seed may be started indoors 6-8 weeks earlier, however plants often do not transplant well into the garden. Seed started indoors directly in a hanging basket or container avoids the transplant problem.

Creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) Requirements

Hardiness zone	2 - 11
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Edgings, ground cover, containers or hanging baskets.

Creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) Details

Common name	Creeping zinnia
Botanical name	Sanvitalia procumbens
Plant type	Annual
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	2 - 11
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow to orange-yellow rays and dark purple-brown centers
Flowering period	June - frost
Height	0.25 to 0.50 feet
Width	0.75 to 1.50 feet