Gardening Flowers Annuals Creeping Zinnia By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 12, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Creeping Zinnia Overview Description Although creeping zinnia sounds like it should resemble the colorful zinnia grown as a cutting flower, the two plants have little in common. Creeping zinnia hugs the ground and sprawls to create a colorful mat of yellow flowers and tough green foliage. It feels right at home in containers, rock gardens, and the front of a landscape border, and it loves to ramble around shrubs and perennials. Creeping zinnia begins blooming in early summer and continues flowering with gusto until the first frost. No need to deadhead this easy-care beauty; spent flowers naturally fall away and new blooms debut every few days. Genus Name Sanvitalia procumbens Common Name Creeping Zinnia Plant Type Annual Light Part Sun, Sun Height 6 to 6 inches Width 12 to 18 inches Flower Color Yellow Foliage Color Chartreuse/Gold Season Features Fall Bloom, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom Special Features Good for Containers Propagation Seed, Stem Cuttings Garden Plans For Creeping Zinnia Container Favorite Long stretches of high heat and humidity don't deter creeping zinnia from unfurling new blossoms. This annual's tenacity is part of what makes it a superb container plant. Pair it with other heat-loving annuals and you can fill a full sun deck or blazing hot patio or pool deck with color from early summer until the first frost. Lantana, vinca (Catharanthus roseus), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globose), gazania, pentas (Pentas lanceolate), verbena, and moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) all stand up to high heat, which makes them great planting partners for creeping zinnia. Fill an 18- to 24-inch container with several of these annuals and prepare for a color-packed summer. Even though this annual tolerates heat with ease, it still requires regular watering. Plan to water containers daily during hot, dry spells. Follow these simple container-gardening tips for perfect potted plants! Creeping Zinnia Care Must-Knows Creeping zinnia grows best in average, well-drained soil and full sun. It will grow in part shade, but won't flower as profusely as those plants growing in full sun. Creeping zinnia also tolerates a range of soil conditions—from dry, rocky soil to moderately moist soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential. Plant creeping zinnia directly in the garden or in pots or hanging baskets, 1 to 2 weeks before the average last frost date. It does not transplant easily so don't go to the extra work of starting it indoors in early spring. Water plants regularly as soon as they emerge to encourage a strong root system. Reduce watering after plants are established. Here's how to make the perfect hanging basket. Plant Creeping Zinnia With: Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit