Creeping Zinnia, Narrowleaf Zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) Growing & Care Guide
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 1st Feb 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Zinnia angustifolia is better known as the Narrow-leaf or Creeping zinnia. This compact bushy annual boasts vibrant flowers and has a resilient nature. Their colorful blooms attract pollinators and help to brighten garden spaces.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Plants thrive in full sunlight and enjoys a well-drained soil. They are tolerant to drought, making it a a popular choice for warmer climates.
- General Care: Minimal maintenance. Deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and will also help to enhance their appearance.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Narrow-leaf Zinnia is a beginner-friendly plant with low maintenance needs. It is a great plant to grow if you want vibrant blooms with minimal fuss. Few issues, but look out for fungal diseases if you are growing in humid conditions. As their leaves are not toxic to pets, they are great for growing if you have furry friends.
More commonly known as Narrow-leaf Zinnia or Creeping Zinnia, Zinnia angustifolia is usually grown as an annual in cooler areas, but is also considered a short-lived perennial plant in warmer areas (zones 9 and above). This Zinnia Plant is naturally native to Mexico.
Narrowleaf Zinnia Plants growing en masse as low growing carpet forming coverage plants, photograph by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋); CC.
As a low maintenance and drought tolerant plant it is of great use in the garden in beds, borders, or for coverage.
This makes it favored by many people who have only a little time to garden, and/or are living in dry areas.
The stems and herbal growth are fairly rough but still quite attractive, and the plant carries pretty daisy like flowers
I've found that this is a great plant to grow for butterfly or wild flower gardens.
Zinnia angustifolia 'Yellow Star' photograph by K M.
Plant Information
Zinnia angustifolia, better known as the Narrowleaf (and sometimes the Creeping zinnia (but also see Sanvitalia procumbens), is an annual from the family Asteraceae (Compositae). It is therefore related to the Daisy, Sunflower, and Aster plants.
Other common names for this easy to grow plant include the Narrow-leaf Zinnia and Mexican Zinnia. These Zinnias help to provide plenty of summer colors to a garden.
The plant is native to Mexico, and can be grown as an annual in USDA Zones 3-11.
Zinnia angustifolia typically reaches a height of 8-16 inches (20 to 40 cm), and spreads up to about a foot (30 cm). Some cultivars are a little bigger.
Zinnia carries branching stems and smooth, thin-leaved foliage.
These summer staples are compact and bushy. Bright orange, yellow, white, red, and pink blooms fill the garden from early summer through to the frost.
Orange Zinnia angustifolia flower, photograph by Eric Savage; CC.
They are a great wild garden plant as their Daisy-like blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators. These low-maintenance plants also make an excellent ground cover.
Zinnia angustifolia plants can look beautiful when planted massed in a pollinator garden. They are also great if you wish to make a statement when grown along a border or around a patio.
Grow them in containers or hanging baskets, or line a walkway with them. Many gardeners also enjoy growing them as part of a cutting garden for bright, beautiful bouquets.
Creeping Zinnia Growth and Care Information
Zinnia angustifolia likes full sun and a dry to medium moisture level in an evenly moist, well-drained, humus soil and is drought tolerate.
Grow from seeds placed directly in the soil 6-9 inches (15 to 23 cm) apart following the last frost.
Seeds are quick sprouting, typically taking about a week to germinate, or get a head start by growing them indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Adding organic matter such as compost before planting will produce a higher quality flower.
Showy blooms last all summer without fading. Allow the seed heads to dry on the plants, then remove and collect seeds for next season.
Deadheading, though not necessary, may help to produce new blooms.
White flowered Zinnia angustifolia, image by Kenta Morigami; CC.
Companion Plants
Some great plants to grow alongside Narrowleaf Zinnia include Marigolds, Cosmos, Salvia, Sunflowers, Coneflowers, Asters, Coreopsis, Gomphrena, English Lavender, and Nasturtiums. These companion plants all have similar growing conditions and have an aesthetic appeal that'll help you to create a vibrant garden.
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Zinnia angustifolia Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Zinnia angustifolia.
- Common Name: Creeping zinnia, Narrow leaf Zinnia.
- Growing Zone: USA: 3 to 11 (hardy in zones 9 to 11). Rated as a half-hardy annual H3 by the RHS.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Annual or short-lived perennial.
Plant Details
- Plant Height: 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 cm).
- Plant Spread: 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
- Time of Bloom: Mid-summer to mid-autumn.
- Flower Details: Orange and White are perhaps the most common. Other cultivars include red, yellow, violet, and pink flowers.
- Leaf Foliage: Medium to dark green.
- Growth Form: Irregular / Sprawling.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Medium paced.
- Suitable Soil Types: Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained.
- Soil Moisture: Moist.
Caring Conditions
- Care: Deadheading prolongs blooming.
- Level of Maintenance: Low.
- Watering Needs: Regular watering during initial growth stages; established plants are pretty drought-tolerant.
- Propagation: Seed, following the last frost. Or start indoors about a month in advance of transplanting outdoors. Germinates at around 22°C (72°F).
- How to Prune: Pinching Zinnia encourages bushiness.
- Pests: Spider mites, nematodes, beetles.
- Diseases: Can be impacted by powdery mildew. Usually resistant to leaf spots. Diseases can usually be prevented by growing zinnia in an area that has good air circulation.
Further Information
- Can Attract: Butterflies, and hummingbirds in its native area.
- Tolerance: Drought tolerant, Dry Soil, Black Walnut.
- Best Garden Use: Border, Container Garden, Foundation Plant, Ground cover, En masse, Rock garden.
- Family: Asteraceae (Compositae).
- Related Garden Plants: Achillea, Aster, Callistephus, Cosmea, Helianthus, Leontopodium, Liatris, Sanvitalia, Stokesia, and Townsendia.
- Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, North American native, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above. Non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for family gardens. Generally resistant to deer, ideal for deer-prone areas.
- Genus Detail: Zinnia.
- Further Reading and References: PennState Extension Guide to Growing Zinnia Plants and Zinnia Overview
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Zinnia angustifolia, the Narrow-leaf Zinnia. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Zinnia elegans and Sanvitalia Plants.
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