Sanvitalia Aztekengold

Sanvitalia speciosa 'Aztekengold' is a recent variety of Sanvitalia that stands out for its dense habit and early flowering, starting in June and continuing until the end of summer. A plant for poor and sunny soils, it forms trailing tufts in containers or prostrate in rockeries, adorning its foliage with a vibrant green colour and a multitude of small golden yellow daisies with a black center. Although a perennial, it is mostly grown as an annual in our climate. Sanvitalia is a generous and undemanding plant to rediscover: its cultivation is within reach of all gardeners, even beginners!

Sanvitalia procumbens (syn. speciosa) is an ephemeral herbaceous perennial plant and not very hardy, belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico. It is a trailing plant with a slightly cascading habit. The 'Aztekengold' selection has a particularly compact habit and forms a dense clump that does not exceed 20 cm (8in) in height and 30 cm (12in) in spread. Its growth is rapid, especially in hot climates. It has hairy stems covered with opposite, bright green, ovate leaves, similar to those of zinnias.  The flowers bloom abundantly just above the foliage, from June until the first frost. The flowers are 3 cm (1in) in diameter, bright yellow, with an almost black central disc. The contrast between the centre and the ligules (the 'petals' forming the collar) is remarkable.

A true ray of sunshine for the garden or balcony! Sanvitalias are underused annuals, yet ideal for creating borders, flower baskets, or decorating flower pots. To achieve a beautiful effect, place your plants every 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in); they will quickly form beautiful groundcover. Place them to fill the spaces between rocks in rockeries or between taller plants, to give a very natural look to flower beds. They can be associated with ageratums, marigolds, Californian poppies, or aromatic plants. Sanvitalia 'Aztekengold' will look stunning in hanging baskets, mixed with trailing helichrysums, trailing geraniums, or even bacopas.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being placed outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.