Sanvitalia (creeping zinnia)

* Common name: Creeping zinnia

* Botanical name: Sanvitalia procumbens

* What it is: An annual flower from Mexico that grows in a low, trailing habit and blooms all summer in yellow to orange-yellow. Flowers look like small zinnias. Despite the plant’s nickname, they’re not true zinnias. Very heat- and drought-tough.

* Size: 6 inches tall, space 12-15 inches apart.

* Where to use: Sunny foundations, as a colorful low edging plant in front of border shrubs and evergreens, or as a trailer in pots and hanging baskets. Full sun.

* Care: Plant seeds directly in the ground in early to mid-May or wait until all danger of frost passes to plant transplants. Keep soil consistently damp the first few weeks, then water once or twice a week in hot, dry spells. Work compost and timed-release flower fertilizer into soil at planting. Supplemental liquid flower fertilizer every month or so throughout the growing season maximizes bloom but isn’t required. Snip back any overly long shoots as needed. Yank and compost plants when frost kills them in fall.

* Great partner: Holly, dwarf Hinoki cypress or any green evergreen. Or use them to surround the base of ornamental grasses.