Sanvitalia procumbens Orange Sprite Seeds - Creeping zinnia

Sometimes calles creeping zinnia, Sanvitalia procumbens Orange Sprite is a tender perennial which is often grown as an annual in our climates. This plant is adapted to dry areas and loves the sun. It forms bright green clumps which are covered all summer long with small, semi-double daisies with a dark eye. It is seldom used even though it is undemanding and is ideal in rock gardens and window boxes.

Sanvitalia procumbens is an short-lived, tender herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico. It is a groundcover plant with a spreading, slightly trailing growth habit and is barely more than 25 cm high and 40 cm wide. It grows rapidly, especially in hot climates. It has hairy stems covered with opposite, oval, bright green leaves, similar to those of zinnias. The flowers bloom abundantly just above the foliage from July to the first frosts. The flowers are small, semi-double, bright orange composite flower with a black central disc. The contrast between the centre and the ligules (the 'petals' forming the collar) is remarkable. 

Creeping zinnia are annuals that are seldom used even though they are ideal for making borders, flower baskets or decorating tubs. To achieve a beautiful effect in your garden, plant your plants 20 to 30 cm apart; they will soon form a beautiful spreading mat. Place them in such a way as to fill in the gaps between the stones of your rock garden or between taller plants, to give a more natural look to flowerbeds. They can be combined with ageratums, marigolds, California poppies or aromatic plants. Sanvitalia procumbens Orange Sprite will look its best in hanging baskets, mixed with helichrysums, trailing pelargoniums or bacopas.