The little 1" blooms of this annual plant look similar to zinnias, though the growth habit is much more low and sprawling. They work well in rock gardens and as a low edging in flower beds or along sidewalks. They also fare well in hanging baskets, as long as they aren't allowed to dry out too much. They bloom right through the hottest parts of the summer without fail, and they offer a nice contrast between the dark green of the foliage and the bright, sunny yellow or orange of the blooms.

Though these are easy to start from seed, they do resent transplanting. If starting indoors, plant in peat pots, or use the "hunk o' seedlings" method of starting a whole thick block of them in a milk carton or box and lifting the whole clump to transplant. This reduces transplant shock. Alternately, seed directly where you'd like them to grow.

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Labeled as Sanvitalia procumbens 'Sunbini' at the ISU Horticulture Center.

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