Not Petunias Or Marigolds: The Bright Sunny Annual Flower For Your Container Garden

Whether you've always opted for colorful petunias to grace your containers or used low-maintenance marigolds, a cheerful annual flower that dragonflies love, it's never too late to switch things up. Another bright annual species that can add depth to your container garden and attract helpful pollinators is creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) — a low-growing flower that should only reach about 6 inches to 1 foot tall. Despite its name, this sunny plant is not related to zinnias, but got its moniker due to similar-looking leaves. Other common names include miniature sunflower or dwarf sunflower due to its resemblance to that popular species.

Sometimes referred to as Mexican creeping zinnia, this annual is native to parts of Mexico as well as Guatemala, other Latin American countries, and the Southwestern U.S. Although it does have a habit of spreading, which is a good reason to grow it in containers, creeping zinnia is not considered invasive or aggressive in areas where it has been introduced. This summer-blooming flower grows until the first frost, continuously displaying its yellow-orange petals and dark purple-brown centers.

Creeping zinnias are stunning plants that will thrive in containers in full sun if provided with the right care. If you decide to grow creeping zinnias for your next container display, make sure to provide soil with good drainage and plenty of organic material. This species is not too picky when it comes to wet or dry soil; it only requires average moisture. Because it is commonly found growing naturally in rocky, dry hills, it is also fairly tolerant of drought and dry conditions. Grow it in a sunny location where it can soak up the heat and flourish. If you are planting from seed instead of buying at a nursery, sow outdoors as this species doesn't like to be transplanted.

Perfect for container planting, creeping zinnia works best as a spiller flower. Its low growth easily cascades over the edge of containers for a satisfyingly dramatic effect. It is one of the best trailing flowers perfect for hanging baskets, too, because of its tendency to spread via its procumbent stems. Combine in a container with other sun-loving annuals like geraniums (Perlargonium sp.) which come in white, pink, fuschia, and more bright colors to contrast the yellow of creeping zinnias. Or, pair creeping zinnias with the blue-purple edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), which blooms a bit earlier for a multi-season container showcase.